Meet our presenters

Joe Wells is a stand-up comedian, writer and compere for this year’s Leaders’ Awards 2026. His autism shapes much of his comedy, which explores everyday life, identity, politics and social rules through honest, observational humour. Joe has performed across the UK and internationally, including at the Edinburgh Fringe, and is known for blending personal experience with wider social commentary. Alongside stand-up, he works as a writer and podcaster, championing authentic voices and perspectives. Joe is delighted to help celebrate the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners.

Bradley George Wilson is a presenter at the Leaders’ Awards 2026 and a passionate advocate for inclusion and equality for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. He founded Spring Into Phab, a social group focused on friendship and community opportunities, and has worked with organisations including Making Space, Pathways CIC and Together an Active Future. Bradley is committed to ensuring disabled people’s voices are heard and valued. He is passionate about encouraging confidence, self-belief and recognising the life-changing impact of work and education. Bradley is proud to celebrate achievement and positive change at this year’s awards.

Alison Cross is a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility and helping people with learning disabilities feel confident, heard and valued. Supported by Dimensions, she uses her lived experience to raise awareness and improve accessibility through her leadership of the Easy Read Group. Alison also created a photo diary about annual health checks to help reduce anxiety and improve understanding around healthcare experiences. She is passionate about helping people access opportunities, grow in confidence and feel included in their communities. Alison is proud to present the Local Communities category at this year’s Leaders Awards.

Sam Barnard is a presenter at the Leaders Awards 2026 and a professional actor with nearly two decades of experience across television, radio, film and theatre. Trained at Mountview and through Mind the Gap’s Staging Change course, Sam has appeared in productions including EastEnders, Casualty and Silent Witness. He became the first professional actor with Down’s Syndrome in the UK to lead a pantomime season, helping improve representation in the arts. Sam also supports inclusive theatre projects through his work with bemix and is proud to present the Sports, Arts and Entertainment category.

Jonathan Andrews is a solicitor specialising in Entertainment and Media law at Reed Smith and a leading advocate for disability and neurodiversity inclusion. He has received national and international recognition, including being named Disability/Neurodiversity Champion at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025 and a Top Neurodiversity Role Model Worldwide in 2024. Jonathan also serves as the youngest-ever Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley. A long-time supporter of the Leaders’ Awards as both judge and Steering Group member, he is passionate about championing inclusion, leadership and lived experience.

Chris Bonello is a presenter at the Leaders ‘Awards 2026 and a leading voice for autistic inclusion and understanding. An autistic author, speaker and advocate, Chris works to challenge outdated assumptions about autism through writing, education and public speaking. He is the author of Underdogs, a respected collection of real-life autistic stories that highlights voices often unheard. Chris works with organisations across the UK and beyond to improve awareness and inclusion, believing autistic people should lead conversations affecting their lives. He is proud to present the Advocacy, Policy and Media category.

Elliott Garcia plays an important role at the Leaders Awards 2026, delivering the housekeeping announcements that guide audiences through the day. Elliott is widely recognised as the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine in Thomas & Friends and is also a previous Leaders’ Awards winner. Alongside his voice acting work, he is a strong advocate for inclusion and opportunity, using his experiences to encourage others and demonstrate what is possible when talent is recognised and supported.

To follow.