Naked hires execs to “supercharge” fact-ent & formats

L-R: James Lessell, Cam de la Huerta & Karen Knowles

Fremantle-backed label Naked has appointed Bandicoot’s James Lessell as head of factual entertainment and Cam de la Huerta as head of formats.

Lessell has produced UK formats including The X Factor for ITV, The Only Way is Essex for ITV2 and Big Brother for Channel 5. He also helped create shows including Eating with My Ex for BBC Three Celebs Go Dating for E4 and Jay Blades Home Fix for BBC One.

At Bandicoot, Lessell served as head of entertainment, overseeing new formats, including Supercar Superfam for BBC Three and Peckham’s Finest for ITV Hub.

De la Huerta, meanwhile, returns to Naked where he previously executive produced two series of The Rap Game UK for BBC Three. Other executive producer credits include The Circle for Channel 4 and The Only Way is Essex for ITV2.

He also served as series editor on Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother for Channel 5 and produced Soccer Aid for ITV and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two for BBC Two.

The two new hires follows the recent appointment of former Whisper exec Karen Knowles as head of production.

Naked is behind shows including The Apprentice for BBC One, Grand Designs for Channel 4, Snowflake Mountain for Netflix and Prince Andrew And The Paedophile for ITV.

“Naked is growing at a rapid rate and I’m thrilled Karen, James and Cam are joining team Naked at this exciting time,” said Naked MD Fatima Salaria. “Karen is an exceptional head of production, bringing a wealth of experience, energy and passion and there really is no one better to lead on our ever-growing programme list.

“James and Cam are best in class – both true creatives who have delivered and worked on some of the best entertainment programmes, they come loaded with fresh ideas and a passion to supercharge our fact-ent and format slate”.