Kate Dehnert and Cody Dahler follow in some esteemed footsteps

Comedy writers Kate Dehnert and Cody Dahler have landed year-long contracts with BBC Studios’ audio department, giving them the chance to work on Radio 4 show The News Quiz as well as develop their own ideas.

They are the latest talents to be signed up to what was once called the BBC Radio comedy writer bursary – and previously undertaken by the likes of Red Dwarf creators Rob Grant and  Doug Naylor, The Thick Of It writers Simon Blackwell and Georgia Pritchett , comics Richard Herring, Stewart Lee,  Danielle Ward and John-Luke Roberts, and The Skewer creator Jon Holmes.

Dehnert, who recently moved to London from Australia, has written and appeared on TV shows down under including The Project and Get Krack!n. She said: ‘I’m utterly thrilled to be included in this year’s intake alongside Cody and to be absorbed by the comedy behemoth that is the BBC. I promise not to phone it in with ChatGPT nor use the position to pivot into newsreading.’

Dahler is a graduate of the National Film And TV School who has written for Dead Ringers, Newsjack, DMs Are Open and Please Use Other Door.

He said: ‘I am beyond excited to be one of this years' staff writers alongside the brilliant Kate and can't wait to be involved in some of the BBC's most iconic shows. What better way to kick off the year’s writing than this bland quote about how thrilled I am.’

BBC Studios Audio has also appointed Ella Woods as a development producer, having previously worked on shows such as Welcome to the Neighbourhood with Jayde Adams, Evil Genius with Russell Kane and The Skewer.

She said: ‘I’m really looking forward to working with a team who have been responsible for so many of my favourite things throughout the years and I’m excited to explore what’s possible in this new role. I’ve worked on everything from period chats with Olga Koch to penalty shoot-outs with Usain Bolt and Alison Hammond, so I’m open to lots of ideas.’

Richard Morris, creative director of audio for BBC Studios comedy said: "I’m delighted to be welcoming Kate and Cody to our team. I’m looking forward to seeing them get stuck in to writing on our many and varied shows and being our go-to people for emergency jokes.

‘I’m also very happy that Ella is joining our team of producers.  She brings with her lots of experience in the comedy and podcast worlds, and I can’t wait to see what new and exciting projects she conjures up.’

Published: 2 Mar 2023