BBC boss hits out at broadcaster’s ‘dark’ dramas and claims he wants to produce more inspiring stories
THE BBC should show fewer “dark” dramas and more inspiring stories, its head of drama has said.
Speaking as the Beeb announced three new gritty crime shows, Piers Wenger said: “I think there is an awful lot of very dark drama across all channels and I would love to see some more inspiring stories.”
Speaking at Edinburgh International TV Festival, he added: “I think there has to be a mix.”
The new dramas include The Barking Murders, based on serial killer Stephen Port, and The Cry that according to the BBC “chronicles the collapse of a marriage in the aftermath of a tragedy” focusing on the abduction of a baby.
Meanwhile, BBC One controller Charlotte Moore has insisted the broadcaster's new cookery show is not a Great British Bake Off rip-off, the programme’s chief insists.
Ms Moore backed Britain’s Best Cook, set to air next year with Mary Berry as host, claiming: “There is a strong tradition of cooking shows on the BBC.”
Ms Moore also defended the decision to lose Bake Off to Channel 4 after creator Love Productions asked for more money.
She said: “I wish them well. I had to make a difficult decision and in the end I feel very responsible for licence payers’ money.”
MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ
