Jon Plowman, best known as the producer of Absolutely Fabulous, French And Saunders and The Vicar Of Dibley, had a 27-year career with the BBC, ultimately rising to head of comedy.

Plowman began his career in theatre at the Royal Court, before moving into broadcasting at Granada. From there, he moved to the BBC in 1980 where he produced Harty, Pop Quiz and Terry Wogan’s twice-weekly chat show.

In 1989 Jon co-produced with Richard Curtis, the first seven-hour Comic Relief telethon, which raised more £25million.

His producers’ credits include Murder Most Horrid, French And Saunders, Fry And Laurie, Smith And Jones, Bottom and Absolutely Fabulous.

In 1994, Plowman was made head of comedy entertainment at the BBC, but remained as producer of several of his hit shows.

As an executive, he worked a generation of comedy shows, including The Office, Little Britain, Shooting Stars, The League of Gentlemen, People Like Us, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and The Thick Of It.

In addition he was responsible for The Office 2003 Christmas Specials which won at the Royal Television Society and Bafta awards, as well as securing the BBC's first awards at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles, in 2004.

The following year, Plowman was made the BBC’s head of comedy in following a reorganisation of departments.

In 2006, he won the Royal Television Society Judges Award for outstanding achievement in broadcasting.

And in 2007 he announced his retirement from the corporation to go freelance.