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Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dawn French leads tributes to 'tip top' BBC colleague in moving post
Alan Yentob, the former director of television and BBC presenter, died earlier this week - and now Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has paid tribute to the BBC icon Dawn French has honoured her friend and former colleague Alan Yentob with a touching tribute following his death at the age of 78. The beloved BBC presenter and ex-director of television passed away, leaving behind his wife Philippa Walker and their children. Philippa's heartfelt statement read: "For [our children] 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." As the entertainment world mourns, Dawn French, famed for her role in The Vicar of Dibley, posted a touching photo on X - formerly known as Twitter - with Alan and Jennifer Saunders. the Express. Alan's illustrious career with the BBC began in 1968 as a trainee, leading to numerous high-profile positions. He was instrumental in launching children's channels CBBC and CBeebies, as well as popular shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, and the iconic Pride and Prejudice adaptation. John Simpson, host of Unspun World, joined the chorus of tributes, expressing his sorrow: "Very sad to hear that my good friend Alan Yentob has died. He was such good company, and a wonderful interviewer and documentary-maker. I shall miss him greatly." BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid a heartfelt tribute to Alan, labelling him a "towering figure" in the world of broadcasting. As excitement about Alan's illustrious career bubbles over, Davie called him "a creative force and a cultural visionary". In his own words: "He shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leaves a lasting legacy." Davie warmly remembered Alan as more than just an innovative creator; he recounted, "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." Adding to the accolades, Davie emphasised how working alongside Alan could elevate one's vision and ambition: "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." Tim Davie concluded the homage to the beloved figure by saying, "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."
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former BBC Executive, Producer Alan Yentob Dies at 78: ‘We Have Lost One of the Great Creative Spirits of Our Time'
The family of broadcaster, producer and long-time BBC executive Alan Yentob has announced he died on Saturday. He was 78. Yentob joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and went on to have a distinguished career, holding a number of senior and influential positions, 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 'Absolutely Fabulous,' 'Have I Got News for You' and the classic adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice.' He also launched kids' channels CBBC and CBeebies. More from Variety Gary Lineker Will Depart Sooner Than Planned After Antisemitism Controversy, BBC Confirms BBC Chief Tim Davie Commits to CIISA Standards in Anti-Bullying Push Susan Sarandon, Mike Leigh Among 600+ Signatories of Open Letter Demanding That BBC Air Delayed Gaza Medics Documentary He made his name on the arts series 'Arena' and also edited and presented the arts documentary series 'Imagine' from 2003. Yentob was presented in 2024 with a U.K. honor, a CBE, for services to the arts and media. His wife Philippa Walker said: '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.' BBC director-general Tim Davie said: '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 programs, 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.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
STV News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Broadcaster and former BBC executive Alan Yentob dies aged 78
The late Yentob was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from De Montfort University, Leicester, in 2005, ITV News Correspondent Ian Woods reports Former BBC executive and TV presenter Alan Yentob has died at the age of 78, his family has announced. Yentob joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and held positions as controller of BBC One and BBC Two, director of television, head of music and arts, as well as the director of BBC drama, entertainment and children's. A statement from his family, released by the BBC, said Yentob died on Saturday, May 24. Alan Yentob being made a CBE by the King / Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA His wife Philippa Walker said: '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.' During his tenure at BBC2, he was credited with the revitalisation of the channel with commissions like Absolutely Fabulous, starring Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley, arts series The Late Show and Have I Got News For You, which later moved to BBC One. He also launched CBBC and CBeebies. His drama commissions included Middlemarch and Pride And Prejudice – which cemented actor Colin Firth's status as a heartthrob – as well as Ballykissangel, and he also took the decision to cancel Spanish-set soap Eldorado in 1993. He also previously edited and presented the arts documentary series Imagine from 2003. In 2015, he stepped down as BBC creative director, saying at the time that his role at the charity Kids Company was a 'serious distraction'. Yentob, who was chairman of trustees at the charity, faced scrutiny over his role as well as claims he tried to influence coverage at the corporation of its troubles. He always insisted there was no conflict of interest in his decision to call Newsnight about its investigation into Kids Company and had not 'abused my position at the BBC'. The BBC's director-general Tim Davie said: '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. Yentob commissioned shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and Pride and Prejudice. He also helped launch CBBC & CBeebies. / Credit: PA '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.' Yentob was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from De Montfort University, Leicester, in 2005. In 2024, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King for services to the arts and media. BBC Radio 4 presenter, Amol Rajan, paid tribute to Yentob with a video on Instagram and a caption that described him as 'such a unique and kind man: an improbable impresario from unlikely origins who became a towering figure in the culture of post-war Britain. 'Modern Art never had a more loyal ally. His shows were always brilliant, often masterpieces, sometimes seminal. So much of Britain's best TV over 5 decades came via his desk. That was public Alan. In private, he was magnetic, zealous, and very funny, with a mesmerising voice and mischievous chuckle. 'He oozed fortitude until the very last. 'He had his foibles and failures, but Alan Yentob was one of the most generous, influential, singular, passionate, supportive, creative and loved men of his generation. 'I commend his spirit to the living.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Leader Live
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Broadcaster and BBC executive Alan Yentob has died aged 78
Alan died on Saturday, May 24, with his wife Philippa Walker sharing an emotional tribute to her late husband: "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.' "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger" Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Alan Yentob, "one of the defining figures in the story of British culture" More: Alan first worked at the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and throughout his time with the broadcaster had an impressive career. He held several senior 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. During his career at the BBC, Alan commissioned shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and Pride and Prejudice, along with helping launch CBBC and CBeebies. Sharing a tribute to the late broadcaster, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: '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. Recommended reading: BBC TV Licence alternatives considered by Government Labour responds to abolishing BBC TV licence for households Gary Lineker to host his final Match Of The Day today amid exit from the BBC '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.'
Rhyl Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Alan Yentob: Influential BBC executive undone by Kids Company scandal
Born in London on March 11 1947, to an Iraqi-Jewish family, Yentob was sent to board at a cathedral school in Cambridgeshire as a young boy before studying law at the University of Leeds. He joined the BBC in 1968 as a trainee at the World Service where he worked his way through the ranks to become the corporation's head of music and arts in 1985. In 1987 he was promoted to controller of BBC2 where he revitalised the channel by commissioning hugely successful shows such as Absolutely Fabulous, starring Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley, arts series The Late Show and comedy quiz show, Have I Got News For You. In 1993 he became the official controller of BBC1. His drama commissions ranged from Middlemarch and Pride And Prejudice – which made actor Colin Firth a heartthrob – to Ballykissangel, while wielding an axe to the failing Spain-set soap Eldorado. He also presented shows for the BBC, including a series on the life of artist Leonardo da Vinci, starring Sir Mark Rylance, and a regular arts series, Imagine, from 2003. Artist Marina Abramovic, novelist Bernardine Evaristo and Oscar-winning actor Marlon Brando were among the famous faces who had episodes devoted to their lives and careers. Yentob was appointed creative director, to oversee the BBC's creative strategy, in 2004 and he also served as chairman of the board of trustees for Kids Company, founded by Camila Batmanghelidjh, from 2003 until the collapse of the charity in 2015. Yentob faced scrutiny over his role as well as claims he tried to influence coverage at the corporation of its troubles. He always insisted there was no conflict of interest in his decision to call Newsnight about its investigation into Kids Company and had not 'abused my position at the BBC'. He is said to have phoned the BBC Two programme in July 2015 as it prepared to broadcast a report suggesting the government would withhold further funding unless its founder, Ms Batmanghelidjh, stood down. The charity folded on August 5 2015 just six days after receiving a £3 million grant in a final bid to keep it afloat. In December that year Yentob stepped down from his job at the BBC, saying the speculation over his conduct had been 'proving a serious distraction'. Also in 2015, Yentob was awarded £85,000 in phone-hacking damages from Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). In spite of the Kids Company controversy, he continued to present programmes for the BBC, interviewing figures including Sir Stephen Fry and Bob Geldof. In a BBC Two programme in 2024 he spoke to author Sir Salman Rushdie about the devastating effects of the onstage knife attack that left him blind in one eye. Yentob was married to TV producer Philippa Walker and the couple had two children together. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from De Montfort University, Leicester, in 2005 and in 2024 he was formally made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King for services to the arts and media.
