UKTV has appointed Helen Perry as Head of Drama to lead the multichannel broadcaster’s growing original drama slate.
Perry will executive produce scripted drama programmes across UKTV’s Alibi, Drama and Dave channels. She’ll join the team responsible for creating some of UKTV’s most successful drama series including Annika, Traces, The Diplomat, We Hunt Together and Ragdoll.
“I am delighted that Helen is going to be joining the team at such an exciting time for scripted content at UKTV. As we expand original drama across more of our channels, Helen’s wealth of experience in developing and commissioning eye-catching shows will be invaluable. Her enthusiasm shines through and I think she will be a fantastic fit for the team,” said Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning.
Perry joins from ITV where she was a Commissioning Editor for Drama working with some of the country’s biggest independent producers. At ITV Helen worked on original dramas such as the upcoming Mr Bates vs The Post Office starring Toby Jones and Playing Nice starring James Norton, alongside returning series such as DI Ray, Professor T, The Bay and Grantchester.
“My time working for the extraordinary Polly Hill at ITV has been nothing short of inspiring so I’m thrilled to take this next step to become UKTV’s new Head of Drama. UKTV is known for creating unique, quality shows that audiences love,” said Perry. “This is an incredible opportunity to build on past successes, to lead the drama strategy forwards and to realise UKTVs ambition to be the home of bold, unmissable and entertaining drama. I look forward to creatively collaborating with the UK production community, to offer a platform to new voices and the very best talent, and to deliver stand-out dramas that will cut through and entertain the nation.”
Before joining ITV Helen was an Assistant Commissioner for BBC Drama where she worked across both development and production for Drama Commissioning, exec producing shows including BBC One true crime Steeltown Murders and The Pact.
