Seventeen New Voices Join Channel 4's Expanded New Writers Scheme

Seventeen emerging writers from across the UK have been selected to take part in Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme, a nine-month initiative designed to nurture fresh and underrepresented voices in television drama.

The programme gives participants the chance to develop their first pilot TV script, working with independent production companies, a dedicated script editor, and receiving feedback directly from Channel 4’s drama team.

For the first time, the scheme has expanded to include Northern Ireland, with five writers from the region joining others based near Channel 4's creative hubs in Bristol, Glasgow, and Leeds.

The 2025 cohort officially launched the scheme this week at Channel 4's National Headquarters in Leeds. The event featured talks from acclaimed screenwriters Grace Ofori-Attah (Malpractice, Playing Nice) and Helen Black (Time, Life and Death in the Warehouse).

Participants also heard from Gwawr Lloyd, Channel 4's Interim Head of Drama, and Emma Luffingham, Head of Development and Executive Producer at World Productions, before taking part in two days of intensive, tailor-made training led by television producer and script editor John Yorke.

Developed and funded by 4Skills in partnership with Channel 4 Drama, the scheme is supported by the BFI NETWORK (Film Hub South West and Film Hub North), Screen Scotland, and Northern Ireland Screen.

Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships & Skills, Nations & Regions at Channel 4, said: "Giving emerging and talented writers the opportunity to grow their craft is written into Channel 4's DNA. We’re thrilled to be expanding to Northern Ireland this year and work with Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Scotland and the BFI NETWORK to open up new pathways for regional talent."

www.channel4.com