...by writer Simon Nye and producer Sophie Clarke-Jervoise

Comedy writer Simon Nye and former BBC head of comedy Sophie Clarke-Jervoise have launched a new production house.

Genial Productions, which is backed by ITV Studios, will concentrate on comedy-drama shows.

Nye, who was behind Men Behaving Badly and The Durrells, said: "This is a huge thrill. I’ve been writing TV for 30 years and am looking forward to expanding my horizons into production. 

‘Sophie is better than anyone at creating popular shows and getting them onto the air, and I have experienced ITV’s great expertise first hand on The Durrells. What can possibly go wrong?!"

Clarke-Jervoise, who last year stepped down as managing director of production house Tiger Aspect, added: ‘Having enjoyed working with Simon over the past 20 years, now feels the right time to consolidate our shared experience and we’re excited at the prospect of new joint endeavours.’

Her credits include Benidorm, Harry Enfield &  Chums, Mount Pleasant, Bad Education, The Vicar of Dibley, Blackadder Back & Forth, and The Catherine Tate Show.

Published: 25 Sep 2018