Dead Set:

Glittering Careers

Media high-fliers share the secret of their success

This week: Patrick Goad, Producer, Big Brother

Proudest moment?

Last night’s show. You’re only ever as good as last night’s show. Thank God it was brilliant. Next question.

Lowest point?

September 11th, 2001. I was producing a TX pilot for a broken comedy sketch show called Off the Hook. We had this great hijacker character played by a then-unknown Russell Brand. The moment I saw the second plane hit the tower I knew we’d be pulled. ‘Gutted’ doesn’t come close.

What inspired you to get into TV?

This’ll sound strange. Russell Harty. His old chat show. One night in 1981 Grace Jones was the guest, and she suddenly belted him round the chops. Thwack. Out the blue, on the telly. I was fifteen, sixteen. I thought, 'that's proper danger, I’ll have some of that'. Twenty years later I’m booking her for Celebrity Kennels. Magic.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Controller of one of the major channels, assuming they still exist. If they don’t, probably overseeing some online content delivery bollocks, however that works. Who cares where the industry’s heading? Hard work will out, and I’m all about the work. And if you’ll excuse me, there’s an edit waiting.