UKTV Appoints New Head of Drama

Helen Perry has been tapped by UKTV as head of drama, starting in January 2024.

Perry joins from ITV, where she was a commissioning editor for drama. Before joining ITV, Perry was an assistant commissioner for BBC Drama, where she worked across both development and production for drama commissioning.

She now joins the team responsible for creating some of UKTV’s most successful drama series, including Annika, Traces, The Diplomat, We Hunt Together and Ragdoll, as well as other recently announced commissions, including The Marlow Murder Club and The Red King.

Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning, to whom Perry reports, commented: “I am delighted that Helen is going to be joining the team at such an exciting time for scripted content at UKTV. As we expand original drama across more of our channels, Helen’s wealth of experience in developing and commissioning eye-catching shows will be invaluable. Her enthusiasm shines through, and I think she will be a fantastic fit for the team.”

Perry said, “My time working for the extraordinary Polly Hill at ITV has been nothing short of inspiring, so I’m thrilled to take this next step to become UKTV’s new head of drama. UKTV is known for creating unique, quality shows that audiences love. This is an incredible opportunity to build on past successes, to lead the drama strategy forward and to realize UKTV’s ambition to be the home of bold, unmissable and entertaining drama. I look forward to creatively collaborating with the U.K. production community, to offer a platform to new voices and the very best talent, and to deliver standout dramas that will cut through and entertain the nation.”