Doctor Who is to get a new Executive Producer for the fifth series the BBC announced today.
Piers Wenger, who produced Housewife, 49 with Victoria Wood is to take over the reins and will become the new Head of Drama, BBC Wales when Julie Gardner leaves that role in January 2009.
Wenger said he was “incredibly excited to be joining BBC Wales”. Gardner is to continue as Executive Producer of the fourth Doctor Who series and the Doctor Who specials to be broadcast during 2009 and will continue to executive produce Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures for BBC Wales.
Wenger, who will shadow Gardner on the fourth series of Doctor Who said “working with Julie Gardner on Doctor Who over the next year will provide an invaluable insight into the secrets and success of the series. I couldn’t have a more inspiring leader.”
BBC Wales Controller Menna Richards said: “I’m delighted Piers is joining the BBC Wales team, and I’m confident he can build on Julie’s huge successes. Julie has helped transform drama production � not only at BBC Wales but across the BBC.
Gardner will also continue to development and commission new Saturday evening drama for BBC One, as well as working with Controller of BBC Fiction, Jane Tranter, on a wide and diverse range of special projects.
Describing Gardner as “one of the most impressive television executives in the UK” Tranter said “I’m delighted that she is committed to working across such a broad range of drama at the BBC for the next few years.”
Commenting on the changeover Julie Gardner said “I know that when I hand over my sonic screwdriver to Piers for season five of Doctor Who, it’ll be to someone who loves and understands the show.”
