Talkback Thames names first head of scripted comedy

Talkback Thames – the TV giant behind The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and QI – has appointed its first head of scripted comedy.

BBC comedy producer Jon Rolph is taking the role, which includes finding, developing and nurturing new writing talent.

At the corporation, he was executive producer on Outnumbered, Rab C Nesbitt, Life of Riley, Lunch Monkeys and In With The Flynns.

A former stand-up in the Nineties, he also co-wrote Taking The Flak, a comedy series about journalists covering an African war which aired on BBC Two in 2009.

He started his career with BBC radio in 1995, where he worked on shows including The News Quiz and his TV credits include The Mark Steel Lectures, The Armstrong And Miller Show, The 11'O'Clock Show and French and Saunders Celebrity Christmas Puddings.  

He will report direct to Talkback’s chief executive Sara Geater, who said: ‘Jon has an impressive track record and strong relationships with talent and broadcasters. His appointment is part of our strategy to grow the business through increased investment in development and creative talent."

Jon Rolph added: ‘Over the years Talkback Thames has grown some of the all-time great scripted comedies, and I hope there are many more yet to emerge and flower. I'm looking forward to Doing My Bit planting, tending and if necessary fertilising new comedy seedlings from all over the UK and for every broadcaster.’

On his leaving the BBC, comedy commissioner Cheryl Taylor said: ‘Jon Rolph has been a wonderfully insightful, dedicated and witty member of the commissioning team and we will all miss his forensic eye for detail and encyclopedic knowledge of the genre. We know he will do brilliantly in his new role.’

Talkback Thames also makes Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The IT Crowd and The Rob Brydon Show.

Published: 7 Jul 2011