Alan Yentob dies

The former Controller of BBC One and BBC Two is dead at 78…

Alan Yentob, the broadcaster, programme maker, and long-time BBC executive, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed he died yesterday, Saturday, 24 May.

His wife, Philippa Walker, shared a statement:

“For Jacob, Bella, and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting. He was curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.”

Yentob joined the Beeb as a trainee in 1968 and went on to enjoy a long career, holding various senior and influential roles, including Controller of BBC One and BBC Two, Director of Television, Head of Music and Arts, Director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children’s, and Creative Director. His commissions include popular programmes such as Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News for You, and the classic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

He gained recognition for his work on the arts series Arena and for editing and presenting the arts documentary series Imagine from 2003 onwards. In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts and media, Yentob was appointed a CBE in the 2024 Birthday Honours List.

There were also controversial decisions, notably axing soap Eldorado and consumer series That’s Life! as BBC One controller. Yentob has also been at the centre of controversy is in his leadership style. His decisions regarding the corporation’s programming, notably some cuts to certain beloved shows or the prioritisation of others, left a number of viewers and industry professionals questioning his choices. His tenure also saw a number of BBC employees leaving, which further fuelled speculation about his management approach. Nonetheless, many of these decisions were made in an effort to streamline and modernise the corporation during a period of significant change in the media landscape.

It’s important to note that Yentob’s legacy is not solely defined by these decisions. He is also remembered for his forward-thinking approach, such as his role in the creation of the Imagine documentary series, which has given a platform to many important cultural figures. His vision was always one of expansion, aiming to diversify the Beeb’s reach and offerings, embracing emerging technologies and digital platforms, even as the industry itself was undergoing rapid transformation.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid tribute to Yentob, calling him “a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts.” He continued, “Alan was a creative force and a cultural visionary, shaping decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leaves a lasting legacy.”

Davie highlighted Yentob’s role in championing originality and artistic ambition, praising his ability to support emerging voices and bring groundbreaking drama to the forefront. “He believed profoundly in the BBC’s role as a home for creativity, curiosity, and the arts – accessible to all,” said Davie.

Hits and Misses: Top left a hit with Pride and Prejudice, top right: That’s Life! being axed wasn’t popular. Bottom Left: Eldorado was providing its worth just as Yentob pulled the plug and bottom right: A long running success that continues, Have I Got News For You.

Though there may have been disagreements with some of his methods, Yentob’s impact on British television is undeniable. His decisions, while controversial at times, were often rooted in an effort to adapt the BBC to the changing tides of the media world, a task that is never easy, nor always popular. His legacy in British broadcasting remains both a subject of admiration and thoughtful debate.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie:

“Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy. For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life.

“He believed profoundly in the BBC’s role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts – accessible to all. But Alan was more than a pioneering creative – he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others.

“To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up – a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre. Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn’t performative – it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us.

“We have lost one of the great creative spirits of our time. But his programmes, his voice, and the generations he inspired, will live on. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.”