The chosen ones

BBC announces College Of Comedy intake

The BBC has recruited six new writers to undergo its College of Comedy mentoring scheme.

Over the next ten months, the successful applicants will attend a residential workshop before being attached to a series to learn more about production.

The scheme is run by Micheál Jacob, former executive producer of Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, who said: ‘This is an exciting group.

‘They all have very different styles and voices and experience, ranging from a writer who has sold a single sketch to a writer who has had a show piloted for BBC Three. Working with them on their scripts is going to make it an exciting year.’

The six candidates selected are:

Donna Harle, based in London, who has contributed to a forthcoming BBC Three sketch show pilot;

Gerry Howell, a London-based comedian and writer, who is preparing his first Edinburgh Fringe show;

Rosemary Jenkinson from Belfast, an experienced theatre writer;

Colin McQuaid from Scotland, who is on the writing team of BBC Scotland's Ellis & Clarke Show, and has written comedy for BBC Radio Ulster;

Dale C Phillips, from Hull, a novelist, screen and sketch writer, and a finalist in the BBC Bang! Theatre Playwriting competition for new Asian writers;