New writers and producers named

BBC Studios has appointed two new writers and two new producers to its audio comedy team.

Cameron Loxdale and Jade Gebbie have been named contract writers, contributing to flagship Radio 4 topical shows The Now Show, The News Quiz and Dead Ringers as well as  sketch shows, panel games and podcasts.

Under their year-long contract, they will also be able to pitch ideas for their own series.

The roles originated under the BBC’s radio comedy writer bursary, which started in 1978 and helped launch the careers of Outnumbered co-creator Guy Jenkin, Red Dwarf duo Rob Grant and Doug Naylor and Simon Blackwell and Georgia Pritchett, who have worked on The Thick of It and  Veep.

Josh Cole, head of comedy at BBC Studios, said: ‘There is a fantastic heritage to this role, and we’re so pleased to be welcoming a new generation with the talented Jade and Cameron.’

Swansea-born Loxdale said: ‘I’m incredibly excited to get to do this quite frankly ridiculously fantastic job and to work alongside the brilliant Jade. I feel so lucky to be selected, especially considering all the amazing people who have done it in the past. I can’t wait to learn and improve and be silly for a year.’

Gebbie  made the semi-finals of the Komedia New Act Competition in Brighton in 2020 and is currently completing an online masters in comedy writing at Falmouth University.

She said: ‘As a comic with a strong passion for radio, I'm thrilled this will be my job for the next year.  I can't wait to learn as much as possible, hone my craft, and work alongside Cameron. After working from home since March 2020, I'm also looking forward to some much-needed human interaction.’

The pair  take over the role from previous contract writers Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia.

Meanwhile, Rajiv Karia and Georgia Keating have been appointed as producers.

Karia recently graduated from the BBC contract writer position and previously worked in comedy production at Hotsauce TV, Zeppotron and King Bert Productions.

While Keating has worked as a freelance assistant producer and researcher on comedy entertainment shows including The Jonathan Ross Show, Have I Got News For You, Hypothetical and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order.

Julia McKenzie, creative director of BBC Studios Audio, said: ‘I’m thrilled Rajiv has made the transition to becoming a producer in the team. His skills in this area became evident really quickly and he has already secured his first commission.

'I know Georgia can’t wait to get started and she’s producing her first show in the next few weeks, which is really exciting. I’m looking forward to working with them both.’

Published: 17 Mar 2022