'Life's Too Short' defended by BBC Two boss

BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow has defended the disappointing ratings, poor critical response and controversy that surrounded Ricky Gervais's 2011 BBC sitcom Life's Too Short.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Hadlow claimed that "controversy" came hand-in-hand with taking risks, which she said was an intrinsic part of BBC Two's remit as a channel.



When asked about Life's Too Short, Hadlow said: "I think part of BBC Two's remit is to take risks. Are you brave enough and are you willing to take risks as a channel?

"If you want to take risks, which we do, you will do things that cause controversy."

She added: "I think you judge it in the end on whether people will laugh or not."

Hadlow said that she was happy with the broadcaster's post-watershed slate of comedy with hits such as Rev and Twenty Twelve, but revealed that a "broader, pre-watershed show" was a big concern following the shift of Miranda to BBC One.

Hadlow announced a string of new shows at the Edinburgh Festival, including a reunion for Bottom duo Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson and a new comedy drama from Mitchell and Webb.