Myfanwy Moore quits after two years

The BBC’s head of comedy production, Myfanwy Moore, is to leave the Corporation after less than two years in the job.

Her move, which she says was for ‘personal reasons’, comes as the BBC’s in-house comedy production comes under the aegis of the newly-formed BBC Studios.

She has been overseeing the return of Tracey Ullman to the BBC, and Upstart Crow, the forthcoming comedy starring David Mitchell as Shakespeare, among others.

Moore said as she announced her resignation: ‘It’s been a privilege working with so many talented people on and off screen, at one of the best and most exciting broadcasters in the world.

‘Just in the time I’ve been here, we’ve produced an astonishing Comic Relief, festive specials for two spellbinding Christmases, around 300 hours of radio, and well over 80 hours of Television.

‘We’ve been nominated for over 90 awards across TV and radio, and to date have won 35. I want to thank all in BBC Comedy for their hard work and belief in good comedy as a thing that has value, and brings joy.’

Her bosses have paid tribute to her ‘dazzling career’ as a comedy executive.

Mark Freeland, the BBC’s controller of fiction and entertainment said: ‘Myf has done a brilliant job and has further enhanced the BBC’s reputation for quality comedy programming that is full of laughs and creativity. With shows such as Tracey Ullman’s Show and Josh new on air, she’s shown what a comedy thoroughbred she is. I look forward to working with her again in the future. Needless to say, comedy remains a huge strategic and creative priority for BBC Studios. ‘

Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning said: ‘Myf’s the real deal: the sharpest of comic judgement coupled with the highest of standards.

‘She is dynamic, extremely well regarded and respected by producers and talent alike with two decades of experience across the comedy industry. We wish her all good fortune and fulfilment with the next chapter of a dazzling career.’

Moore will remain in her post until February 19, until her successor is found.

In an email to staff, she said: ‘It’s a personal decision. This is a hearts and minds job. Quite rightly. But… it feels like it’s time to oversee something a little closer to home. Like my home.

‘I’ve had great support while I’ve been working here, and I leave that community with a heavy heart. In the longer term I’ll be looking at working on more specific projects. I want to thank all of you for your hard work and belief in good comedy as a thing that has value, and brings joy.’

She took the job, with responsibilities for both TV and radio, in 2014. She was previously commissioning editor of comedy for ITV where she was responsible for Birds Of A Feather, Plebs, Vicious, The Job Lot and the ongoing Benidorm.

Before this, Myfanwy was editor of new comedy at the BBC where she developed and produced Little Britain with Matt Lucas and David Walliams and was executive producer at Rock Profiles, The Mitchell And Webb Situation, The Dave Gorman Collection, Attention Scum and The Full Mountie with Jack Dee.

She was also a previous channel controller of BBC Three forerunner UKPlay, and launched the Paramount Comedy Channel, now Comedy Central, as director of programmes, where she developed Spaced with LWT.

The formation of BBC Studios has not been without controversy, with plans to make it a wholly owned commercial subsidiary of the Corporation by April 2017 criticised by commercial rivals who fear unfair competition, and trade unions.

Published: 20 Jan 2016