Peter Cregeen is a renowned director, producer, and executive with a storied career in the entertainment industry. Initially, he intended to pursue a career as an actor, which led him to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. However, he soon discovered his true calling as a director, and his early work in the theatre laid the foundation for his future success.
Cregeen's television career was marked by his work on numerous popular series, including Dr. Finlay's Casebook, Z Cars, Softly Softly, and Colditz. He also ventured into production with The Onedin Line and Wings, and later produced Saturday Night Thriller and Mitch for London Weekend Television.
However, it was his role as director, producer, and executive producer of the innovative Thames Television police series The Bill that cemented his reputation. The show's groundbreaking use of hand-held camera technique in British drama was a significant departure from traditional television production methods.
In 1989, Cregeen moved to the BBC, where he took on the position of Head of Series. One of his most notable decisions was to cancel the long-running science-fiction series Doctor Who, which had been struggling in the ratings. Although the decision was met with controversy, Cregeen's move was seen by some as a necessary step to revitalize the series, which eventually returned to the airwaves under the guidance of writer Russell T. Davies.
Cregeen remained Head of Series at the BBC until 1993, after which he returned to directing, working on episodes of The Bill, Midsomer Murders, and Casualty. He has also maintained a connection to the theatre, directing productions and serving on the Councils of various industry organizations, including The Royal Television Society, BAFTA, and the Directors' Guild of Great Britain.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Cregeen has also shared his expertise with the next generation of industry professionals, teaching at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
