Tanya Qureshi: The Visionary Drama Commissioning Editor at BBC
Who Is Tanya Qureshi?
Tanya Qureshi is a prominent British television executive and creative producer known for her exceptional contribution to the UK’s entertainment industry. Currently serving as the Drama Commissioning Editor at the BBC, Qureshi has built an impressive career spanning over 17 years across film, television, and digital storytelling. Her journey from early development and acquisitions roles to leading BBC’s Comedy and Drama divisions reflects not only her professional growth but also her deep understanding of audience engagement, creativity, and narrative innovation.
With a career that began in the mid-2000s, Tanya Qureshi’s rise in the British media landscape showcases her passion for storytelling and her ability to nurture new voices in television. A graduate of Goldsmiths, University of London, she holds a degree in English and American Literature, a foundation that has clearly influenced her sophisticated taste in script development and character-driven storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Tanya Qureshi studied at Goldsmiths, University of London between 2003 and 2006, earning a 2:1 in English and American Literature. Her education at one of the UK’s most creative universities provided her with the critical and artistic grounding to navigate the evolving landscape of British media. Goldsmiths’ strong focus on creativity and communication helped her cultivate the analytical and storytelling skills that would later define her career in television commissioning.
Even during her university years, Qureshi’s interest in the film and entertainment sector was evident. Her academic background in literature provided her with a strong understanding of narrative construction, thematic development, and character psychology—key skills that would later inform her commissioning choices at major broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel 4, and UKTV.
Career Beginnings – A Foundation in Film and Media
Tanya Qureshi’s professional journey began in the film industry. In 2006, she joined Red Bull in London as a Marketing Team Assistant, where she gained early exposure to brand communication and audience engagement. Later that same year, she worked at the BFI London Film Festival as an Industry Office Assistant, an experience that immersed her in the operational and creative aspects of the film industry.
In 2007, Qureshi took her first steps into film acquisitions, working as an Acquisitions and Development Intern at The Weinstein Company. This role deepened her understanding of global film markets, distribution strategies, and content evaluation. Shortly afterwards, she became an Acquisitions Executive at Icon Film Distribution, where she worked for over four years (2007–2012). During this period, she honed her expertise in identifying promising film projects and evaluating scripts with both creative and commercial potential.
Transition to Television – UKTV and Channel 4
Qureshi’s move into television marked the next major chapter of her career. She joined UKTV in 2012, where she served in a series of developmental and commissioning roles for over five years. Starting as a Development Producer (2012–2013), she quickly advanced to Development Executive (2013–2016) and later Commissioning Executive (2016–2017).
At UKTV, she played a pivotal role in shaping the network’s original scripted comedy output for channels such as Dave and Gold, working on projects that combined humour, wit, and relatable storytelling. Her work contributed to UKTV’s growing reputation as a hub for quality British comedy during the mid-2010s.
In 2017, Qureshi joined Channel 4 as a Commissioning Executive, a key step that brought her into one of the UK’s most influential broadcasters. Her time at Channel 4 saw her contribute to innovative and boundary-pushing scripted series that reflected modern British culture. She worked on a range of projects that balanced creative ambition with commercial appeal, further cementing her reputation as a commissioning talent with a sharp eye for originality.
Leadership at Various Artists Limited – Comedy Development and Production
After her success at Channel 4, Tanya Qureshi transitioned to Various Artists Limited (VAL) in 2018, a respected independent production company known for developing high-quality television content. Initially joining as Head of Development – Comedy, she oversaw the creation of fresh and diverse comedic voices. Her efforts helped the company secure a number of major projects and partnerships within the UK’s competitive television industry.
In 2020, Qureshi was promoted to Head of Comedy at Various Artists Limited, leading the creative direction and development strategy of the company’s comedy slate. She was responsible for nurturing relationships with writers, performers, and broadcasters, ensuring that every project aligned with both artistic vision and audience demand. Her leadership at VAL demonstrated her ability to combine creative freedom with strategic oversight—skills that would soon make her indispensable at the BBC.
Head of Comedy at the BBC – A Defining Era
In March 2021, Tanya Qureshi joined the BBC as Head of Comedy, marking one of the most significant appointments in the broadcaster’s entertainment division. Over the next four years, she played a transformative role in shaping the future of British comedy. Under her leadership, the BBC introduced new series, discovered emerging writers, and diversified its comedic output to reflect contemporary British society.
Her time as Head of Comedy was characterised by a commitment to originality and inclusivity. She was instrumental in bringing forward projects that resonated with younger audiences while preserving the BBC’s long-standing reputation for quality programming. Qureshi’s vision encouraged collaborations across genres, often blending comedy with drama, social commentary, or experimental storytelling formats.
Her approach placed equal value on creative risk-taking and cultural authenticity, helping the BBC maintain its relevance in an era dominated by streaming platforms and changing viewer habits.
Drama Commissioning Editor at the BBC – 2025 and Beyond
In May 2025, Tanya Qureshi took on the prestigious role of Drama Commissioning Editor at the BBC. This transition from comedy to drama highlights her versatile command of storytelling and her ability to manage high-profile creative portfolios.
As Drama Commissioning Editor, Qureshi oversees the development and production of new dramas for the BBC’s network and digital platforms. Her remit includes working with established screenwriters as well as emerging voices, ensuring that BBC drama continues to set standards for excellence both in the UK and internationally.
Her move into drama represents not just a career advancement but also a testament to her broad creative sensibilities. With a background that spans film acquisitions, comedy development, and executive commissioning, Qureshi brings a unique perspective to the BBC’s drama department—balancing artistic innovation with audience engagement and production efficiency.
Professional Ethos and Industry Impact
Throughout her career, Tanya Qureshi has been recognised for her collaborative approach, strategic leadership, and commitment to nurturing new talent. Her ability to identify stories that resonate across generations and cultures makes her one of the most influential commissioning figures in British broadcasting today.
She embodies the evolving identity of the BBC—an organisation dedicated to creative excellence, diversity, and innovation. By bridging her experiences in comedy and drama, Qureshi continues to redefine how British audiences experience storytelling on television.
Conclusion – A Trailblazer in British Broadcasting
Tanya Qureshi’s journey from a literature graduate at Goldsmiths to Drama Commissioning Editor at the BBC is a remarkable story of ambition, creativity, and leadership. Over nearly two decades, she has shaped the landscape of British television, from nurturing comedy talent at UKTV and Channel 4 to commissioning groundbreaking work at the BBC.
Her career stands as an inspiration to aspiring producers and commissioners, proving that passion, vision, and adaptability are the keys to longevity in the media industry. As she continues to guide the BBC’s drama portfolio into a new era, Tanya Qureshi remains a driving force in shaping the future of British storytelling.
