Sioned Wiliam's 'outstanding reputation' praised

The BBC has appointed Sioned Wiliam as the new commissioning editor for comedy for Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

She has previously been ITV’s controller of comedy, producer of shows such as Big Train, Yonderland and Game On, and a performer.

Wiliam takes over much of the responsibilities of Caroline Raphael, who in October announced she was quitting as commissioning editor for comedy and fiction following a restructuring across BBC radio.

Wiliam started her comedy career as a member of the Oxford Revue, performing with Armando Iannucci, Rebecca Front and David Schneider.

She joined the BBC Radio light entertainment department as a producer in 1988, working on shows with Jenny Eclair, Paul Merton, Steve Coogan and Nicholas Parsons among others.

In 1989, Wiliam performed in a double act for Radio 4 with Rebecca Front for two series of Girls Will Be Girls, which are still occasionally played in the evenings on Radio 4 Extra.

Wiliam said: ‘I am thrilled to be returning to Radio 4 to work with some of the best talent in British comedy and hope to do justice to the amazing legacy left by Caroline Raphael.’

She will be responsible for the overall development and editorial direction of Radio 4’s comedy output, which is listened to by 5.26 million people weekly. Radio 4 broadcasts more than 180 hours of original comedy each year.

Gwyneth Williams, controller of Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra, said: ‘Sioned has an outstanding reputation in the world of comedy with an impressive CV in both radio and TV and I’m confident she’ll be bringing the best ideas, talent and programmes to our listeners.’

Other shows Wiliam produced include Channel 4’s Tonight With Jonathan Ross, ITV2’s Laura, Ben And Him, BBC Two’s Game On and Radio 4’s First Impressions.

While at ITV between 1999 and 2006 Wiliam her commissioned included The Sketch Show, with Lee Mack and Tim Vine, Cold Feet and the animated satire 2DTV.

Published: 19 Jan 2015