Sky Shakes Up Entertainment Leadership

Sky's UK pay-TV giant is undergoing a significant reshuffling of its unscripted entertainment division. Shirley Jones has been elevated to the newly established position of Head of Entertainment Commissioning. She will report to Phil Edgar Jones, Executive Director of Original Unscripted.

This strategic realignment follows the recent departures of commissioning editor Barbara Lee, who leaves after 14 years, and Dwayne Easton. Phil Edgar Jones announced to staff that the team structure has been reviewed and redesigned to foster future growth.

Shirley Jones, who joined Sky in 2015, has a proven track record with shows like 'Dynamo is Dead' and reviving 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks.' Her recent work on 'The Dyers' Caravan Park' became Sky's most successful entertainment launch in five years, exceeding one million viewers.

Phil Edgar Jones praised Jones's strong instincts and talent for building series uniquely Sky. He also lauded Barbara Lee for her substantial impact, crediting her with shows such as 'A League of Their Own' and 'There's Something About Movies,' and her pivotal role in relaunching Sky Arts.

Looking ahead, Edgar Jones anticipates a "renewed chapter of Entertainment at Sky," highlighting recent successes like SNL UK, which has garnered significant acclaim and supported new British comedy talent. The recommission of 'The Dyers' Caravan Park' and the upcoming Gemma Collins series are also noted as key upcoming projects.

Furthermore, Sky is actively seeking new scalable formats. Shirley Jones's commission of '100 Day Split,' a new relationship series, is cited as an example of the network breaking new ground. SNL UK, a critically discussed original, will conclude its eight-episode first season this Saturday, with a 12-episode second season already ordered for later this year.