Executive Council Officers

“I am honoured to take my place at the end of such a long line of illustrious Presidents – JB Priestley, Maureen Duffy, David Edgar, David Nobbs and Rosemary Anne Sisson, to name but a few. They were all leading writers and campaigners of their times and I pick up the baton from Olivia Hetreed who worked tirelessly to stamp out the bullying and harassment and gender inequality that blights the screen and other industries in which we writers work. I also join the Writers’ Guild as it celebrates its diamond anniversary and I look forward to playing my own part in helping to write the next chapter of its important history.”

The Danish-British star, a long-term member of the union, is a well-known broadcaster, actor, comedian, novelist and producer, familiar to audiences fronting shows including QI, The Great British Bake Off and 15 to 1.  Her writing credits span theatre, TV, radio, and she has written more than 20 fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults.  In 2019 her adaptation of Mamma Mia the Party will open at London’s 02.

Toksvig’s experience as a political activist and long-time champion for gender equality, including co-founding the Women’s Equality Party, stands her in good stead to continue to build on the union’s legacy of campaigning for equality and diversity.