BBC focus on minorities ‘better reflects’ Britain

The BBC has launched its most diverse season yet, as it pledges to reflect “modern Britain” with special commissions for gay writers, ethnic minority comedians and disabled presenters.

Lord Hall, the director-general, said the “creative risks” would “better reflect the diversity of the country”.

In an event hosted by actor Idris Elba in Soho yesterday, the BBC also announced its “New Talent hotlist” of 200 up-and-coming stars.

As part of the season, Elba will curate a week of programming on BBC Three to tap into young audiences. Mark Gatiss, writer and star of Sherlock, will select six LGBT writers to create 15-minute monologues for BBC Four.