Ugly Betty Gets a Little 'Dirt'y

[Brian Damage]

Writer-producer Joel Fields has joined ABC's "Ugly Betty" as an executive producer.

He is expected to serve as a partner of creator/executive producer Silvio Horta on the writing side on the sophomore series.

The hiring of Fields fills a void left by the recent departure of executive producer Marco Pennette, who was let go last month, along with executive producer-director James Hayman.

Fields will start immediately on "Betty." The ABC Studios-produced series begins production on its five-episode post-strike order next week.

Fields will serve as an executive producer alongside Horta, Salma Hayek and Jose Tamez, on the show, which has been renewed for next season.


Fields most recently was an executive producer/writing showrunner on FX's drama "Dirt," which also is produced by ABC Studios.

The future of "Dirt" is in doubt after its abbreviated second season recently launched to lackluster ratings.

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