New Head of Comedy at Channel 4

LONDON: Phil Clarke, currently the head of comedy and entertainment at Objective Productions, is joining Channel 4 as its new head of comedy.

Clarke set up the comedy department at Objective in spring 2003, after having produced the first series of Peep Show in 2002. He was an executive producer for such comedies as Fresh Meat, Star Stories and Pete Versus Life. Clarke also previously served as editor of comedy for Talkback Productions.

Jay Hunt, the chief creative officer at Channel 4, said: "Phil has been behind some of the biggest comedy hits on British TV. He is brilliantly creative and will be a strong, thoughtful leader for the Channel 4 comedy team."

Clarke added: "Channel 4 has an outstanding comedy heritage, so I’m honored and delighted to be joining the creative commissioning team."

Nerys Evans, the comedy commissioning editor who is currently acting head of the department, will be promoted to deputy head of comedy with immediate effect.