BBC chief eyes stars of the future

New BBC One controller Peter Fincham has renewed his vow to make comedy one of his ‘highest priorities’

He says he wants to encourage an environment where comics can make their debuts on BBC One, rather than coming through smaller channels such as BBC Three or Channel 4.

As former head of independent programme-makers Talkback, he has experience of comedy, having nurtured the likes of Alan Partridge and Ali G – and made around £12 million when the company was sold to Thames five years ago.

Now he says he’s grooming double acts Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong, right, to be mainstream stars of the future.

‘It's early days but I am talking to them,’ he told today’s Mirror.

‘They used to do a sketch show on Channel 4 and they've become familiar BBC One faces now because Ben was on The Worst Week Of My Life and Alex guest hosts on Have I Got News For You.

‘We don't want up and coming comedians to think you do sketch show on minority channels for a few years then you just don't do it again.

‘We want them because they are very good. We can't just rely on the supply of comedy that comes through BBC Three.

‘I can’t just sit here and say, “Bring me a new Ali G” It doesn't work like that.’

Fincham is planning a ‘comedy playhouse’ season to try out new talent next year. A similar concept in the Sixties famously produced Steptoe And Son, Till Death Us Do Part and The Liver Birds.

He said: ‘They won't all work, but I'd rather be trying something new than shying away from the challenge.’

Published: 23 Sep 2005