Farrell started his career as a script editor in BBC Comedy before becoming a development producer.  He went on to produce the multi-award winning Mrs Brown’s Boys, voted best sitcom for the 21st century in a Radio Times poll, as well as Our Ex-Wife, Crims and Flat TV. Since last year he has headed up production on Mrs Brown's Boys, including the live programme which broadcast last summer and was watched by nearly 9 million on the night.

BBC Studios’ comedy team has a remarkable heritage of working with new and established talent to produce some of the world's most-watched and cherished comedies. From The Office, Only Fools and Horses and The Thick Of It to The Wrong Mans, Miranda and W1A. BBC Studios launched as a commercial business in April 2017, able to make programmes for other UK and international broadcasters as well as the BBC, supporting the BBC’s public service mission and generating financial returns for licence fee payers. Farrell will oversee the development slate of projects for new audiences and channels as well as the BBC.

Chris Sussman, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios says: “James has a great editorial eye and an uncanny ability to attract the best talent in the business. As BBC Studios begins its exciting future, he’s going to play a key role in growing our development slate and building relationships with new broadcasting partners.”  

James Farrell says: "I couldn't be more thrilled to be taking the comedy development reins at such an exciting time for BBC Studios, and indeed such an exciting time to be making television. And I look forward to turning Chris Sussman's strong and stable leadership into a coalition of chaos..."

He takes up his role with immediate effect.