Docs supremo decides to step down immediately, but will continue working on two Once Upon a Time projects
BBC head of documentaries Clare Sillery is to leave the BBC, Broadcast can reveal.
An internal note was sent this morning to unscripted staff by interim unscripted director Fiona Campbell. It explained that Sillery has decided to step down from her role with immediate effect, having worked at the organisation for 24 years.
However, she will continue to work on two current projects – Once Upon a Time in the Middle East and Once Upon a Time in America.
Lead commissioning editor of docs Emma Loach has been acting up in Sillery’s role since the start of the year and will continue to do while Sillery’s replacement is recruited.
“Clare has been part of the organisation since 2002 and has made an enormous contribution throughout that time,” said Campbell.
“Most recently, as head of documentaries – and before that as a commissioning editor in the team – she has shaped some of the BBC’s most distinctive and best-loved premium factual output.”
Campbell said Sillery’s commissions have “defined our distinctive documentary offer”, including Uprising, Once Upon a Time In Iraq and Northern Ireland, Murder 24/7, Ambulance, Parole, Sort Your Life Out, Glow Up, Forensics, The Real Marigold Hotel and Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams.
She is also behind single films including Hillsborough, The Last Survivors, Hell Jumper and Louis Theroux: Settlers, as well as factual drama Damilola, Our Loved Boy.
Before becoming a commissioner, Sillery was an executive producer on titles including Life and Death Row and Secret Life of the National Grid.
“Clare brings editorial skill, unwavering commitment to quality and a clarity of strategy that’s helped keep our linear offer strong while growing iPlayer… I know many of you will want to join me in thanking Clare for everything she’s brought to the BBC, and in wishing her every success and happiness for the future,” said Campbell.
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