BBC Studios’ Head of Comedy Chris Sussman has appointed James Farrell as Head of Development.

BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial TV production arm, makes comedies including Mrs Brown’s Boys, Still Open All Hours, This Country and Inside No. 9.

Farrell started his career as a script editor in BBC Comedy before becoming a development producer. 

He went on to produce Mrs Brown’s Boys, as well as Our Ex-Wife, Crims and Flat TV. Since last year he has headed up production on Mrs Brown’s Boys, including the live programme which broadcast last summer.

BBC Studios launched as a commercial business in April 2017, able to make programmes for other UK and international broadcasters as well as the BBC. In this new role Farrell will oversee the development slate of projects for new audiences and channels as well as the BBC.

Sussman said: “James has a great editorial eye and an uncanny ability to attract the best talent in the business. As BBC Studios begins its exciting future, he’s going to play a key role in growing our development slate and building relationships with new broadcasting partners.”  



He takes up his role with immediate effect.

Staff Reporter

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