Ben Farrell returns to lead Objective comedy label

Objective is teaming up with former Head of Comedy Ben Farrell to launch a newly created Comedy Label, it has been announced.

The label, as yet unnamed, will encompass all of Objective's former and current slate while setting up a bespoke development team and branching out into comedy formats and comedy drama.

Farrell, who was Objective's Head of Comedy from 2012 to 2014 having been with the All3 Media Company since 2004, will be returning as Chief Creative Officer in the spring after two years as Executive Producer for the BBC's in-house comedy unit.

Farrell's flair for producing exceptional comedy and his understanding of the genre, as well his own place in creating and producing Objective's past glories, means he is perfectly placed to lead this new era of programme making.

Farrell said, "I’ve hugely enjoyed my time at the BBC, and leaving wasn’t an easy decision. However the offer to return to the Objective family and lead their new comedy label was just irresistible. I can’t wait to get started."

Whilst at the BBC Farrell oversaw Professor Branestawm and Tracey Ullman’s Show for BBC One, and BBC Three's People Time.

On his return he will pick up his last two commissions for the company - BBC Three's Witless, due to air later this year, and Roisin Conaty's self-penned sitcom GameFace for E4.

Layla Smith, Objective CEO, added,

"I couldn't be happier. At a time of renewal at Objective it is utterly the right thing to welcome Ben back to lead his own label. He is incredibly talented and we look forward to him stepping into his new role."

During his time at Objective Farrell's credits included the multi-award winning Toast of London for Channel 4, BBC One’s Reggie Perrin, Big Bad World for Comedy Central and Strutter for MTV.

The Objective Comedy team currently includes Development Executive Joe McVey and producers Charlie Lewis and Kelly McGolpin.