BBC Studios hires Apple TV+ commissioner & ‘Strike’ producer amid drama rejig

EastEnders (Source: BBC)

Apple TV+ commissioner Tom Williams and Strike producer Roxanne Harvey have joined BBC Studios (BBCS), as the reorganisation of its drama production arm takes shape.

Williams joins in a newly created role as head of drama development for BBCS, with a remit across the national development team as well as overseeing BBCS’s writing initiatives.

He will report into Deborah Sathe, who was appointed last week as creative director.

Tom Williams & Roxanne Harvey

Williams was part of Jay Hunt’s European commissioning team at Apple TV+ and has previously had stints as head of development at Wall to Wall, with credits on shows such as Amazon’s Ten Percent and The English Game for Netflix.

Harvey will become executive producer for long-running series Casualty and will also lead for BBCS development in Wales, as well as creating her own slate of projects for both the UK and international markets.

She most recently co-produced ITVX drama Joan and also has credits on Too Close for ITV and BBC One’s Strike, having previously ran the story-lining team for Casualty.

Both hires come after last week’s appointment of Kate Oates as head of drama productions at BBCS, following the exit of Priscilla Parish.

Her new-look team includes Sathe as creative director and Siân O’Callaghan becoming director of production.

Oates said: “It is an exciting time to welcome such experienced and ambitious creatives, as we grow our own slate of shows. Both Tom and Roxanne bring a wealth of experience to their new development roles.”

BBC Studios Drama has a slate that long-running shows such as EastEnders, as well as new comedy-drama Anfamol and a raft of series in  developments for the BBC and streamers. It sits within BBCS’s scripted portfolio, which also includes the recently announced River Pictures, helmed by Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke.