Sarah Asante joins UKTV

The BBC’s head of comedy Kate Daughton and comedy commissioner Sarah Asante are both leaving their jobs.

Daughton has been in her jobs for about five years, following a career as a producer with credits including Matt Berry’s Toast Of London.

It is not known what she plans to do next, but  Asante, pictured,  is to join UKTV as a  commissioning editor for channels including Dave and Gold.

Her new boss, head of scripted Pete Thornton said: ‘I know that UKTV is going to benefit hugely from Sarah’s experience and enthusiasm and I’m really looking forward to working with her on our burgeoning scripted slate.

‘As well as taking the reins on a number of returning series, Sarah will be integral in generating a portfolio of fresh content for the network. ‘

Asante added: ‘Having admired both the comedy and comedy entertainment titles on Dave and Gold over the years, I’m beyond thrilled to play a role in seeing those channels go from strength to strength. 

‘The added commitment to amplifying more underrepresented voices in comedy matches my ambition to deliver exciting and distinctive content that audiences across the portfolio will love.’

UKTV recently put a call out for underrepresented writers in comedy and pledge to commission a diverse anthology series for Dave.

Earlier this month, the BBC appointed Hannah Rose to a newly created job as a comedy commissioner based in Salford,  as part of the corporation's policy of  shifting more of its activities out of London.

Published: 26 Mar 2021