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All change for C4 comedy

Channel 4’s head of comedy is leaving the broadcaster to co-found a new indie, leading to an executive shake-up at the UK broadcaster.

Phil Clarke

Phil Clarke

Phil Clarke will step down in April, after four years in the role, to start an indie with Peep Show writers Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.

Replacing Clarke is Fiona McDermott, who is being promoted to oversee the commissioning team and all scripted comedy.

Nerys Evans, currently deputy head of comedy, is also set to depart to return to the production sector.

Evans and Clarke have overseen the commissioning of series including Catastrophe, Man Down and Friday Night Dinner.

McDermott, meanwhile, joined C4 has commissioning editor in 2011 and has worked on scripted projects including Cardinal Burns, Raised by Wolves and Flowers. She was previously a producer at Zeppotron and Objective Productions.

Clarke will continue to work with C4 as an executive producer on some forthcoming commissions. Two new commissioning editors will also be recruited to the comedy team.

Jay Hunt, C4’s chief creative officer, said: “Phil and Nerys have been a fantastic partnership. 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.”

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