C4 replaces BBC-bound Wenger

Channel 4 (C4) has moved quickly to replace its outgoing drama chief Piers Wenger after he revealed he was joining the BBC this morning.

Beth Willis

Beth Willis will become head of drama at C4, having been deputy head of the department since 2012.

Willis has worked across shows including Humans, No Offence and Indian Summers as well as forthcoming projects Crazy Face, Kiss Me First, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Peter Kosminsky’s ISIS drama.

Prior to joining C4, she was an exec producer at the BBC and Kudos Film & Television, executive producing Doctor Who and Eric & Ernie.

Willis is set to begin maternity leave this summer so will be replaced on an interim basis by Phil Clarke, C4’s head of comedy. He will take up the role of acting head of scripted, overseeing both drama and comedy commissioning until Willis returns.

Jay Hunt, C4’s chief creative officer, said: “Beth is a passionate programme maker and a superlative commissioner. She has played a critical part in Channel 4’s success and I am looking forward to working with her on the next phase of great drama at 4.”

Hunt also praised Wenger, adding that it was “a fitting tribute to what he has achieved at C4 that he has been poached for the biggest job in drama commissioning.”

Willis said: “I’m honoured and excited to be given this opportunity to usher in the next wave of ambitious, distinctive and entertaining dramas to the channel. I’m passionate about finding brilliant writers and producers – and encouraging them to do what they do best.”

Wenger will oversee the delivery of commissioned projects for C4 until he moves to the BBC in the autumn.