Tranter makes 'dramatic' changes at BBC

Recently appointed controller of BBC Fiction, Jane Tranter, has recruited Julie Gardner as head of drama commissioning.

Tranter has had success as executive producer on Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures and will continue working on these projects.

She will also remain in her role as head of drama, BBC Wales for the foreseeable future.

Tranter said: "Julie is a creative powerhouse with an awesome track record for producing some of the most talked-about drama of recent years."

An independent drama commissioning board is also being set up with Gardner as the chair. The board will include Patrick Spence, head of drama, Northern Ireland; and Anne Mensah, head of drama, Scotland.

Sarah Brandist and Polly Hill have been appointed as commissioning editors, independent drama, across all BBC television channels, joining Spence and Mensah on the board.

Ben Stephenson has also been made head of development, drama commissioning, reporting to Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner.

Along with the development of new and existing independent drama, Brandist and Hill will have special responsibility for developing independent teen drama and drama for the BBC Three audience.

The BBC is keen to expand on its '360 degree' drama commissioning, following the success of the Spooks games available online and on mobiles.

Tranter added: "The creation of a new independent drama board is evidence of BBC Vision's commitment to London-based independent drama commissioning as well as independent drama across the whole of the UK."