Executive had been commissioner for seven years

Radio 4’s comedy commissioner Sioned Wiliam is to leave her role at the BBC.

A former controller of comedy for ITV – as well as producer of shows such as Big Train, Yonderland and Game On – she took over her current tole in 2015.

She said: ‘It has been a huge privilege working for Radio 4, ensuring the good health of much loved long running shows as well as creating new ones.

‘I have worked with some of the best writers, performers and producers in the world and feel incredibly lucky to have had this chance. But seven years is a long time and it’s now right and proper for another gatekeeper to take over. I am looking forward to going back into production and finally finishing my book.’

Wiliam has previously written three boos books, all in Welsh, Dal i Fynd, published in 2013, Chwynnu in 2015 and Cicio'r Bar in 2018.

During her time at Radio 4 she oversaw changes to long-standing Radio 4 comedy shows - bringing Miles Jupp and Andy Zaltzman to host The News Quiz, and Sue Perkins to Just A Minute.

She also commissioned  Jon Holmes’s The Skewer, Stephen Mangan’s The Confessional, Gossip and Goddesses with Granny Kumar, and Now You're Asking with Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn among others.

And she has promoted new talent such as Rosie Jones, Michael Spicer, Sophie Willan, Daliso Chaponda, Alex Edelman, Lost Voice Guy and Mae Martin, as well as adding new shows for the likes of Alexei Sayle, French and Saunders, Angus Deayton, Bill Bailey, Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam.

Mohit Bakaya, controller of Radio 4, said: ‘Sioned has been a brilliant comedy Commissioning Editor, and a valued colleague, in her seven years at Radio 4.

‘Her knowledge of comedy and the comedy world is second to none, and she's brought well-known names to the station, as well as great comedic hosts to some of our much loved flagship shows. She has also overseen the introduction of a wonderful range of new voices to the network. We all wish her well with her next projects.’

Wiliam has been linked to comedy since her student days at the Oxford Revue, where she worked with Armando Iannucci and Rebecca Front, with whom she formed a double act, the Bobo Girls. 

Her leaving date is yet to be confirmed, and Radio 4 will advertise for her replacement shortly.

Published: 14 Jan 2022