Baby Cow Productions, the Manchester and London-based production company founded by Mancunian comics Steve Coogan and Henry Normal, has appointed new comedy and drama chiefs, Broadcast reports.
Olly Cambridge, producer of Manchester-set conedy Everyone Else Burns, has been made head of comedy while Feel Good producer Kelly McGolpin joins as head of drama.
The two roles are newly created, with Cambridge essentially replacing previous head of comedy development Rupert Majendie, who stepped up to chief creative officer following the departure of Sarah Monteith last year.
Cambridge will lead all comedy development and production at the BBC Studios label, working with writers, performers and creators to develop original series for UK and international broadcasters and platforms.
His credits in the genre span streamers and broadcasters alike, having previously produced Netflix’s A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou and BBC comedy Ellie & Natasia, on which he also wrote.
McGolpin will oversee drama, teaming up with writing talent and directors to create original series and films. She has previously produced Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum and was exec producer on Mae Martin’s Feel Good, both for Channel 4.
She is the former head of development at Objective Fiction, where she spent nine years.
Also joining the team are producer Joe Fraser, whose credits include How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge), and associate development producer Liz Daramola. Daramola was selected in 2023 to take part in BBC Studios TalentWorks’ Creator in Residence programme, where she was paired up with Baby Cow.
Chief creative officer Rupert Majendie said: “Kelly and Olly are two of the most exciting creative executives working today. Kelly brings a wealth of experience developing bold, original and ambitious drama and comedy drama, while Olly has an outstanding track record of championing original comedy voices.
“Baby Cow has always been about backing distinctive talent, and as we look to the next chapter, their vision, relationships and creative instincts make them the perfect people to lead our drama and comedy slates.”
Creative director of Baby Cow Coogan said: “Baby Cow has been through a period of transition and has now emerged fighting fit. I have never been more excited to be part of the company, developing projects that balance entertainment with intelligence and real engagement.
“The addition of Kelly McGolpin and Olly Cambridge completes the picture. I love working with them both and having them on the team gives me real confidence, something that is already bearing fruit. I cannot wait to bring this new wave of content to audiences.”
McGolpin added: “We’ll make work that entertains and matters, stories that make us laugh and cry in equal measure. Baby Cow is perfectly placed to nurture talent who’ve grown up in comedy but are ready to explore drama.
“We also look forward to building on relationships with both new and established drama writers and performers who can tell emotionally rich stories with wit and charm.”
Cambridge said: “Baby Cow shows have had a huge influence on me and my love of comedy, so it’s a privilege to join Steve and Rupert whose talents I’ve always admired.
“Alongside Kelly and the team, I’m excited to help build on its success and work with some of the best new and established comedy talent in this new era for the company.”
Baby Cow’s recent titles include British indie comedy big-screen hit The Ballad of Wallis Island, Alan Carr’s semi-autobiographical ITV comedy Changing Ends, now in its third series and Coogan vehicle How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) for the BBC. Upcoming BBC comedy Bills Included will star Rob Brydon.
