19th June 2024: Fremantle UK labels Thames and Naked today announce two internal promotions with Ashley Whitehouse appointed Director of Programmes for Thames and Paul Broadbent promoted into the same role at Naked.

First working with Thames in 2011 to produce BAFTA award winning Britain’s Got Talent (ITV) and The X Factor (ITV), Ashley’s experience has seen him producing some of the UK’s biggest entertainment hits before making Thames his permanent home in 2019 as the Exec Producer of BGT, The X Factor, Too Hot To Handle (Netflix), Family Fortunes (ITV), Who Cares Wins (Channel 4), MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream (ITV) and recently announced Battle Camp (Netflix).

With more than 20 years’ experience, Paul has Executive Produced seven seasons of The Apprentice, seeing it rise to be BBC One’s number one unscripted show for young adults and has most recently Executive Produced on Netflix’s reality property show, Buying London. Previously, Paul helped develop Channel 4’s Gogglebox where he was Series Editor for the first three seasons, as well as Executive Produced the BBC’s Mary Berry Save’s Christmas and The Job Centre for Channel 4. Other credits include Strictly Come dancing (BBC One), Fame Academy (BBC One), Hell’s Kitchen (ITV), The Only Way is Essex (ITV2), Made in Chelsea (E4) and Big Brother (C4).

The appointments will see Ashley and Paul charged with running a slate of big new shows alongside existing hits as well as further developing new concepts for each of the labels.

Ashley Whitehouse says: “I’ve been very fortunate to work closely with both FMUK CEO, Amelia Brown and Thames MD, Charlie Irwin over the years and I couldn’t have asked for better mentors. I was thrilled to be offered the Director of Programmes role as I firmly believe that Thames produce some of the best entertainment, reality, and game show formats. I’m excited to work alongside Charlie on both our existing slate and developing new ideas.”

Charlie Irwin says: “Ash has been a key member of the Thames family for many years and has been instrumental in the success of some of our biggest shows. He’s one of the very best entertainment producers, incredibly hard working, passionate and creative and is the perfect person to help oversee and expand our slate as we look ahead to the future.”

Paul Broadbent says: “Naked really is best in class and, in The Apprentice, I’ve been proud to work on such a huge hit. I’m now excited by this new opportunity and look forward to working more closely with Tom and the team on our upcoming slate as well as looking at where we can take the label.”

Tom O’Brien adds: “Paul has been a deep well of expertise and production knowledge here at Naked and he has his fingerprints all over one of the most successful shows on British TV in The Apprentice. Promoting him to the Director of Programmes role has been a case of hard work and deft skill duly rewarded. It’s all very well deserved, and we look forward to working with Paul ever more closely.”