‘She’s inquisitive, culturally connected, and a truly collaborative spirit who makes our whole team better’

  • 31
  • Head of development
  • BBC Comedy
  • Nominated by: Jon Petrie, director of comedy, BBC and Tanya Qureshi, former head of comedy, BBC

“Roya Eslami doesn’t just ‘do development’ – she lives and breathes storytelling,” says outgoing BBC comedy head Jon Petrie. “She’s inquisitive, culturally connected, and a truly collaborative spirit who makes our whole team better.”

Initially known as the youngest of the three hosts of BBC Asian Network’s award-winning podcast Brown Girls Do It, Roya’s rise from team assistant at BBC Studios to a key leadership role at the heart of BBC Comedy has taken in stints in development at Tiger Aspect and Hat Trick. She’s played a role in the success of BBC comedies Josh and This Country and a string of dramas: ITV’s DI Ray and Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge and Adult Material, the latter two as script editor.

Over the past two years as head of development, Roya has run BBC Comedy’s Sitcom Project initiative to find the next wave of affordable and distinctive British comedies and was also a commissioning editor on the most recent set of BBC Comedy Short Films.

Roya has won plaudits for her consistent efforts to ensure these schemes support a breadth of voices and perspectives.

“What consistently impresses me most about Roya is her fantastic blend of sharp creative judgment and genuine passion – not just for comedy, but for the writers and talent behind it,” says Petrie.

“Her script feedback is invaluable – always incredibly insightful, pushing the work to be better, but delivered with real care and thoughtfulness. You see her strategic mind constantly working, but it’s coupled with a brilliant energy and a deep commitment to finding and nurturing diverse, original voices.”

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