Shane Allen to be in charge of all commissioning

Channel 4’s comedy head Shane Allen has jumped ship to become the BBC’s top comedy commissioner.

He has spent eight years with Channel 4, the last three of them as head of comedy where his commissions have included The Inbetweeners, Friday Night Dinner, Black Mirror, Derek and Phone Shop. Allen was also executive producer on The Inbetweeners Movie, the biggest UK funded comedy film ever.

In his new job, he will oversee commissioning across TV and the web.

He takes over from Cheryl Taylor – who commissioned Rev, Miranda, and Citizen Khan – who has moved to be head of CBBC.

Allen said: ‘Comedy is my life's passion, so this is a dream job and the best gig in TV comedy given the BBC's unique volume, range, commitment and legacy.

‘I feel proud to leave Channel 4 comedy in rude health and end on a high with the Funny Fortnight season.’

Roger Mosey, acting director of BBC Vision, added: ‘I’m delighted by Shane’s appointment. He has a great track record in the industry and we’re pleased he’s joining the BBC to make sure that we continue to offer original and distinctive comedy to our television audiences’

Published: 23 Aug 2012