Development schemes for stand-up Mary O’Connell and Famalam's Danielle Vitalis

Comedian Mary O’Connell and actress Danielle Vitalis have won placements to work on comedy projects within the BBC’s production arm.

The pair, who are both also writers, have secured the six-month positions as part of the ‘creator residencies’, scheme run by  BBC Studios.

During their placements they will get on-the-job experience and mentoring with the chance to cultivate their own project.

O’Connell, runner-up in last year’s Funny Women awards, was won a placement with BBC Studios subsidiary Baby Cow – the production house co-founded by Steve Coogan and whose credits include Gavin & Stacey , Pls Like and This Time With Alan Partridge

Coogan said: ‘We are so excited about Mary joining our brilliant development team. Baby Cow is all about supporting future talent and we cannot wait to work with Mary and see what we can create together’

Vitalis has appeared in Attack the Block, I May Destroy You, Youngers and Famalam, for which she has also written sketches. She will focus on developing her comic writing skills as part of her placement with BBC Studios Comedy Productions, the unit behind Inside No.9 and This Country.

BBC Studios head of comedy Josh Cole will mentor her. He said: ‘Danielle is a truly exciting talent, both as a writer and performer. We loved working with her on Famalam and are delighted to have her joining us.’

Comedian Charlie George previously undertook a ‘creator residency’ and has since had a script optioned by BBC Studios label Various Artist Limited, makers of  May Destroy You.

Published: 8 Jul 2021