Huddlines void filled

The BBC has agreed to use novice writers after the next series of Huddlines was cancelled.

The Writers' Guild of Great Britain had been worried about outlets for talented but untested writers when the long-running Radio 2 show was dropped after Roy Hudd landed a role in Coronation Street,

But station controller James Moir has agreed that whatever show replaces Huddlines will be open to non-commissioned writers - meaning that anyone can submit material.

In a letter to the guild, Moir says: "I place a high value on providing a broadcast outlet for new writers and will be working with my colleagues in Radio Light Entertainment to preserve the 'training ground' that has been so beneficial in providing writing talent in previous years."

Writers who started their careers by submitting non-commissioned work to the Huddlines include One Foot In The Grave creator David Renwick and Drop The Dead Donkey's Andy Hamilton.

In the short term, Pasons and Naylor's Pull-Out Sections - whose star Andy Parsons has just won a Time Out award for live comedy - will also be taking material from non-commissioned writers.

The issue was raised after one of the guild's members read about Hudd's role as Archie Shuttleworth on Chortle.

Published: 21 Jan 2002