Phil Clarke and his No 2 Nerys Evans stand down

Channel 4’s head of comedy Phil Clarke is to step down to set up a production company with Peep Show creators Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.

His departure will lead to big changes at the broadcaster, as his deputy Nerys Evans is also quitting to go back to production.

Their resignations means that comedy commissioner Fiona McDermott has been promoted to head of comedy.

In his four years at Channel 4, Clarke has commissioned hits including  Catastrophe, The Windsors and Chewing Gum. He previously worked at Objective Productions, which makes Peep Show.

Clarke will step down in April, but will also continue to work with Channel 4 as an executive producer on some forthcoming comedy commissions.

He said: ‘After more than four years in the post, I can confirm that being head of comedy at Channel 4 really is one of the best jobs in television.

‘It’s been thrilling. I’m looking forward to returning to production, but consider myself lucky to have worked at the channel at such an exciting time."

McDermott, who has worked on series including Catastrophe, Raised By Wolves and Man Down, added: ‘Phil’s right, this is the best job in comedy and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be taking over the role, having worked together to shape some of our best loved and most successful shows.’

Now the search will be on for two new commissioning editors to work under her.

Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s chief creative officer, paid tribute to the departing execs. She said: 'Phil not only has impeccable taste but is one of the nicest men in TV. Nerys is a fantastically creative commissioner and has been key to the department's success. We're lucky they've grown, in Fiona McDermott, a worthy successor who can build on the comedy department's fantastic track record. I'm looking forward to working with her.'

Published: 10 Feb 2017