Drama commissioning
Our creative brief, commissioning contacts and the support we offer companies and writers
Our team
We are the home of UK drama, a world-renowned brand producing a vast array of distinctive, high-quality programming with unrivalled reach across our broad range of platforms. We are committed to working with the best talent on and off-screen, while actively developing and nurturing grass roots authorship via BBC Writers. We are passionate about portraying the extraordinary variety of life in Britain today and we commission entertaining, thought-provoking and surprising stories that inspire our viewers across the whole of the UK.
How to work with us
Our commissioners
We work with production companies across the UK. Some of our commissioners are based in the nations and English regions and have an additional remit to support local companies, as well as titles that feature strong portrayal of those areas on screen. These commissioners are identified below and, where relevant, producers are encouraged to approach them in the first instance. Please send us your ideas via PiCoS.
Lucy Richer
Senior Commissioning Editor, UK and England
Jo McClellan
Commissioning Editor, UK and North of England
Nawfal Faizullah
Commissioning Editor, UK
Gaynor Holmes
Commissioning Editor, UK and Scotland
Gavin Smith
Commissioning Editor, Scotland
Stephanie Fyfe
Commissioning Executive, Scotland
Deb Charles
Assistant Commissioner, Scotland
Rebecca Ferguson
Commissioning Editor, UK and Wales
Celi Fowler
Commissioning Executive, Wales
Nick Lambon
Commissioning Editor, UK and Northern Ireland
Mary McKeagney
Commissioning Editor, Northern Ireland
Heather Larmour
Commissioning Executive, Northern Ireland
Jonny Richards
Commissioning Editor, UK
Callum Akass
Head of Development
Geraldine Atlee
Head of Business, Scripted
Dani Scott-Haughton
We are deeply saddened by the news that Dani Scott-Haughton, one of the BBC’s most talented and respected drama commissioners, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on 7 January 2026.
For those of you who knew Dani, you will understand just how extraordinary and special she was - full of joy for her job, super smart, deeply committed, bursting with integrity and a hugely talented commissioner who cared passionately about the work and every single person behind it. She lit up every room she walked into, and infused the drama team with positivity, kindness and the most infectious, warm energy. She looked after some of our biggest and most-loved shows, from EastEnders to The Paradises, the Agatha Christie adaptations and Just Act Normal, and before joining the BBC she did outstanding work on Champion during her time at Balloon Entertainment.
Dani was a real force in the industry, particularly in championing female and diverse writers and directors. She also celebrated all of her colleagues - always the first person to congratulate others. Inside and outside the BBC we know many of you really enjoyed working with Dani, as she drove collaboration between departments, making sure our dramas delivered maximum impact. She was simply the most beautiful soul. None of us can quite believe that she’s gone. We’re in conversation with Dani’s family and will share more about plans to remember her soon.
Our thoughts are with Dani’s family and friends, and with everyone who had the privilege of working with her.
Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer and Lindsay Salt, Director BBC Drama
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