Vera and Shetland producer Elaine Collins has left ITV Studios to join the BBC as part of a new team created by BBC Scotland’s head of drama Christopher Aird.
Aird will become head of BBC in-house drama in London and has brought in Collins as creative director. They will develop a new slate of scripted content and oversee the team of producers in charge of EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty.
Aird is one of three replacements for head of drama for England, Kate Harwood, who left earlier this year to revive the Euston Films brand for Fremantle Media UK.
He will work alongside Hilary Salmon, who is also a head of London drama, and Hilary Martin, head of drama in the north of England. Both were appointed in July.
Collins, who is also the wife of Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi, launched and developed Brenda Blethyn series Vera for ITV in 2011. While at ITV Studios, she also developed BBC1’s Shetland, which she will continue to executive produce on a part-time basis alongside her new role.
Aird will report into BBC fiction and entertainment controller Mark Freeland having overseen drama at BBC Scotland since April 2012. He has extensive production and commissioning experience and his producer credits include Spooks, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Hotel Babylon.
Gaynor Holmes will become acting head of drama in Scotland until a permanent replacement is found. He was previously an executive producer.
“Drama is right at the forefront of BBC Productions’ ambitions, in the UK & globally. I’m really pleased that Chris, alongside Elaine, with all their experience and drive, will be a key part of the team,” Freeland said.
Aird said he wants his team to be “an empowering home for brilliant writers, directors and producers to make world class TV drama”.
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