Thames (a Fremantle label) has hired Barney Addison as Head of On-Screen Talent, reporting into Managing Director, Amelia Brown.

The newly created role will see Barney spearhead all on screen talent across the production label and its entertainment programming including Britain’s Got Talent, Too Hot To Handle, Family Fortunes and Blankety Blank.

With over 20 years’ experience, Barney has most recently been leading on Thames casting on a freelance basis keeping them at the forefront of having the very best talent on air. Prior to this, Barney worked closely with Thames’ co-producer, Syco Entertainment in the role of Head of Talent where he was responsible for launching the careers of some of the biggest names to come from some of the UK’s most popular entertainment brands including Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor and The Greatest Dancer. Previously, Barney worked as Talent Executive at Lime Pictures and BBC Worldwide and has production credits including Made in Chelsea, Ladies of London, Big Brother, Red or Black, Britain’s Next Top Model and Take Me Out.

Amelia Brown, MD, Thames said: “Barney has been a huge part of our shows for many years. He has an unbeatable wealth of experience in casting and talent. His passion for finding people that glow onscreen is undeniable and I’m thrilled he will now be a fully-fledged member of team Thames.”

Barney adds: “I’ve spent most of my career working closely with the team at Thames, so I’m really pleased to be permanently joining where already feels like home. Thames are incredible at what they do and are true leaders in creating entertainment television so I’m beyond excited to work alongside them to help discover and bring new talent to TV screens across all their programming.”