...as it becomes part of the drama department

ITV has announced Nana Hughes as its new head of scripted comedy.

The move comes as the broadcaster’s comedy department becomes part of the drama section.

Hughes was founder of the independent production company, Saturday's Child, which made the comedy Blap Halfbreed for Channel 4.

Before  that, she was head of comedy at Talkback and Head of development at Retort, where she was executive producer on  Michaela Coel's Chewing Gum. 

She also previously held the post  of deputy commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment at Channel 4.

Hughes’s arrival follows the departure of former comedy controller Saskia Schuster in May

ITV’s director of television, Kevin Lygo, said: ‘She will be a wonderful addition to the commissioning team, developing new ideas for the main channel and ITV2, as well as bringing a fresh outlook to upcoming shows such as Spitting Image, and series two of our new hit sitcom, Kate & Koji.’

Hughes will report to  head of drama Polly Hill, who said: ‘Im really delighted that the comedy and drama departments are coming together and I look forward to working with Nana, who I’ve wanted to work with for a while. 

‘She is going to be a brilliant addition to the ITV commissioning team and will bring an exciting new vision for comedy and drama, and I look forward to seeing the shows she is going to champion on ITV.’

Published: 3 Jul 2020