The former head of the BBC’s comedy division has criticised the broadcaster for not investing more in new comedy programmes.
Plowman continued: “The fact is that British comedy is no longer a priority for those who run the main channels.
“An hour of drama costs around £1m, whereas half an hour of comedy doesn’t get half that – it gets barely £300,000 or so if it’s lucky. It doesn’t make sense.
“Controllers find it easier to say no to comedy because it’s risky, and yes to another procedural drama,” he said.