BEN COGAN  is simply a  wonderful casting director . I have worked with Ben on several 'Special' Casualties including the BAFTA winning 21st episode, and more recently the 30th birthday Specials. I have always been so impressed with his sensitivity to script and his superbly distinctive approach to casting choices and his inventive attitude to creating a varied and unpredictable list. He always turns all this round at an unwavering high standard under the classic big time pressures of a long running series. He is a wonderful team player always working so creatively with producer /director and writer. Actors love him and respond so well to work he does with them in the room in audition. Ben last cast 'Kiss Of Death ' for me, a BBC1 (2x1) and was frankly inspiring with his fresh and original work for the casting. His knowledge and appraisal of actors from A listers downwards was impressive and comprehensive. His auditioning was both rigorous and relaxed. And he brought fresh colours to our canvas and a huge energy to the whole process. Ben loves his work and it shows. He has an impressive understanding of scripts and the organic process of realizing the characters. His judgement is excellent and his ambitions high for any show he casts. As a show-runner with several new projects up ahead, Ben will always be my first port of call.