BBC1 controller Danny Cohen used his slot at this year”s Edinburgh International Television Festival to talk about the channel”s plans for the future and unveil a host of new commissions.

Explaining his over-arching philosophy, Cohen said: “It”s a huge privilege to run Britain”s most-watched channel, and I”m greatly enjoying my time at BBC1. My focus in the coming months is on consolidating BBC1”s position as the home of the biggest and best programmes – whilst at the same time continuing to develop the channel as a place where we take risks and develop new talent. The programme commissions underline this strategy – with its aim to combine the biggest programmes with the kind of commitment to risk and new talent not normally associated with mainstream channels.”

Providing more detail on the commissions, he said: “Two masters of British comedy have created brand new sitcoms especially for BBC1, namely Ben Elton with Slings And Arrows and David Walliams with Autumn Leaves (w/t). Comedy is incredibly important to BBC1 and it”s been brilliant to see great talent being so passionate about working on BBC1.”

Cohen said BBC1 is also committed to delivering an ambitious range of popular and original British drama. At Edinburgh, he announced plans for The Ark, a new series written by Sarah Phelps (Great Expectations) which tells the story of the First World War”s frontline medics, and Quirke – a new series adapted by screenwriters Andrew Davies and Conor McPherson which will bring John Banville”s acclaimed novels to the screen, starring Gabriel Byrne in the title role.

Alongside these pieces, Danny Cohen also announced a new Drama Talent Scheme for emerging writers and directors. The aim of the scheme is to develop the next generation of star writers and directors, through a strip of mid-week pieces that will broadcast on BBC1. Each production will be mentored by a current master of the genre, and will be ambitiously cast.

In entertainment, a new live Saturday night game show has been ordered, where contestants from all walks of life will battle it out to become The Brightest Briton (w/t). Finally, Seasons is BBC1”s new Natural History commission – a definitive portrait of the UK”s dynamic & spectacular nature.

Cohen concluded: “We”ve got an exciting autumn on BBC1 to look forward to, with a star-studded new series of Strictly, a massive injection of Original British Drama and landmark factual series from Andrew Marr and Michael Palin. And I hope the new commissions I”ve announced express the range and creative ambition of BBC1. There are great opportunities here for big names, a real commitment to new talent and opportunities, and top quality programmes.”

Full information on the productions mentioned above can be found on Production Intelligence, the online database of advance productions from The Knowledge: