London – Tuesday 17 June 2025: It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we share the news that Melanie Rumani has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Melanie joined BBC Studios in 2006, holding various positions within sales and acquisitions until her most recent role as Global Head of Acquisitions for BBC Studios and UKTV.

Tom Fussell, CEO BBC Studios, said, “Mel’s contribution to BBC Studios and the wider BBC Group cannot be underestimated, and it was a privilege to work with her. She was fearless and tenacious in her approach to deal-making, and this translated into how she approached everyday life too. We are all in total admiration of how she tackled her illness and her determination to continue working despite the challenges that presented. Mel is going to be hugely missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband Hass and her wider family and friends.”

Marcus Arthur, CEO, UKTV added, “Mel had incredible resilience, and she brought a fast-paced energy and determination to everything she tackled. Her wealth of knowledge was incredible, and she was highly regarded in the industry for her expertise and professionalism. Mel was also funny, kind and passionate. She was an inspiration to all of us and our thoughts are with Mel’s husband and our much-loved colleague Hass, at this terribly sad time.”

Melanie joined BBC Studios 19 years ago and her contribution to the business has been immense. Prior to taking on her UKTV remit, Melanie sourced content for 40 individual pay TV channels and SVOD BBC-branded services globally. She helped launch new channels across multiple territories including BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First. In 2020, Melanie moved into the newly created role of Global Head of Acquisitions, across BBC Studios and UKTV, delivering a raft of global deals with a number of studios. Melanie worked with hundreds of people across the BBC Group and she touched the lives of many. She will be hugely missed.

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About BBC Studios

The main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd, BBC Studios generated revenues in the last year of £1.8 billion and a third consecutive year of profits of over £200 million. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including bbc.com and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide selection of public service and commercial broadcasters and platforms, both in the UK and across the globe. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.

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About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&GOLD, U&alibi and U&eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.

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