Twofour’s McArdle gets Naked role

Fremantle-owned UK unscripted prodco Naked has hired Natalie McArdle from ITV-owned Twofour as director of development.

Natalie McArdle

McArdle will join the senior team at Naked in February, reporting to creative director Tom O’Brien.

She will arrive from Twofour, where she held the same role, leading the development team with a focus on creating new brands across factual entertainment, formats and blue-chip factual series.

McArdle previously worked at Electric Ray as head of development and exec producer. Her credits there included My Million Pound Menu (BBC2/Netflix), Alone at Home (Channel 4) and Call That Hard Work? (BBC1).

Prior to Electric Ray, Natalie held roles at Tiger Aspect, BBC3, Firecracker Films, Studio Lambert and Twenty Twenty.

McArdle said: “I’ve had a brilliant and busy year at Twofour, but the chance to create and exec shows at Naked was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a hugely exciting time for the company.”

Fatima Salaria, who left Channel 4 to become Naked MD late last year, added: “This is a really exciting time for Naked and we’re thrilled Natalie is joining us. She exudes energy and passion, and her experience in developing inspiring ideas and producing great content is what we at Naked get excited about. Natalie’s reputation for creativity and originality is exactly what we’re looking for in our senior team.”

Fremantle acquired a minority stake in Naked in 2015. Last February, it took full ownership of the firm and appointed Naked founder Simon Andreae as CEO of Fremantle’s UK business. It has since merged the company with its fellow UK unscripted prodco Boundless.