Paul Farrer: The Composer Behind Some of Britain’s Most Iconic TV Themes
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When you hear the suspenseful theme of The Chase or the stirring orchestration behind Dancing on Ice, you’re likely listening to the work of Paul Farrer. As one of the UK’s leading television composers, Paul has created some of the most instantly recognisable and enduring music in British broadcasting.
Scoring the Soundtrack to British Television
Paul’s extensive body of work spans a wide variety of popular programmes. His television credits include:
The Chase
Dancing on Ice
The Wheel
Gladiators
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show
Ninja Warrior
Fort Boyard
Red Dwarf: The Promised Land
Gordon Ramsay’s Culinary Genius
Ant and Dec’s Push the Button
The Jerry Springer Show
Judge Rinder
The Krypton Factor
The Weakest Link – the BBC’s most successful international format of all time
Broadcast in 97 countries over 25 years, The Weakest Link alone has racked up nearly 2,000 episodes on British television—making Paul’s music some of the most widely heard in the UK.
Royal Performances and Global Recognition
In 2012, Paul was commissioned to compose all the music for the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, held in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen. This prestigious commission began a long-standing relationship with the event. By 2019, he had composed the orchestral music for the Royal Variety Performance for eight consecutive years.
In 2024, Paul provided the score for the BBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games in Paris, showcasing his dynamic and emotionally rich compositions to a global audience.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Paul’s work has earned numerous accolades over the years, including:
Ampex Golden Reel Award
BMI Composer Award
Royal Television Society Award
These honours reflect his outstanding contribution to television music and his ability to create scores that elevate storytelling and resonate with audiences.
Looking Ahead: From Television to Film and Beyond
Now expanding further into film and high-end drama, Paul brings his exceptional musical intuition to new creative challenges. His talent and versatility make him ideally suited to compose for:
Landmark natural history series
Gripping dramatic productions
Sweeping historical and period dramas
Smart, character-driven comedy
Whether scoring a global sporting event or a prime-time entertainment show, Paul Farrer continues to define the sound of British television—and is now setting his sights on the world of film and long-form storytelling.