Peep Show creators, C4 exec create comedy indie

The creators of hit comedy series Peep Show and outgoing head of comedy at Channel 4 are joining forces to create a new UK indie.

Channel 4’s comedy chief Phil Clark is leaving the broadcaster later in 2017, five years after he joined from Peep Show prodco Objective. He will start the new, as yet unnamed, prodco with Peep Show duo Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.

As well as Peep Show, Bain and Armstrong count Smack the Pony and Fresh Meat among their credits.

Channel 4 has named Fiona McDermott as Clark’s replacement. She is currently a commissioning editor at the broadcaster.

Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s chief creative officer, said: “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.”

Phil Clark said: “After more than four years in the post, I can confirm that being head of comedy at Channel 4 really is one of the best jobs in television. It’s been thrilling. I’m looking forward to returning to production, but consider myself lucky to have worked at the channel at such an exciting time.”

Channel 4 deputy head of comedy, Nerys Evans, is also leaving the broadcaster. The Radio Times was the first to report the news.