Latest news with #Imagine
Time Out Dubai
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best things to do in Dubai at night 2025, for every budget
When it comes to nights out, Dubai has it all. Whether it's happy hour drinks, bouncing nightclubs or chilled grape bars that you're looking for, there's something happening every day of the week. Some experiences might come with a heavier price tag than others, but that doesn't mean you can't have a dream night on a budget. If you're getting the gang together for a night out on the town, or treating your other half to a special evening, we've put together some unbelievable itineraries, whether you only have Dhs100 or you're ready to splash out. Best things to do at night in Dubai Cheap and cheerful (Budget: Dhs100) Sometimes the best nights are free (or only cost a little). In this city, you can have a diary-worthy evening for just a few dirhams, so let's schedule in some fun without breaking the bank. Not only does this evening include a meal out, you'll also have enough cash for some early-evening drinks before watching a live show. It doesn't get much better (or cheaper) than this. Activity: Admire the Imagine light show Credit: supplied Get ready to be awestruck, as you can see this multi-Guinness World Record holder at Festival Bay every night of the week. Only a 15-minute drive away from your sundowner spot (keep reading for BAI Bar), you can be here in no time and grab a front row seat to the show. A fabulous feat of engineering and choreography, the show uses high-powered lasers, more than 70 searchlights, water screens, projections, music, flames and fountains to wow the crowds with a stunning show of light and colour. It's hard to believe that this show is completely free, but it is – meaning you have even more budget to spend on your dinner (happy days). Free. Open Mon-Wed 7pm-11pm; Thu-Sun 7pm-11pm (every hour). Dubai Festival City Mall, (800 332). Dinner: Dig in at Market Island Credit: Dubai Festival City Mall It's up to you whether you head for dinner before or after the laser show, as your destination is just round the corner inside Dubai Festival City Mall. Opening in 2024, this gigantic food hall is not only licensed, but is open until 1am and has every type of cuisine you can think of. From a fresh scoop at Gelato Ado to the mini-khinkali at Georgian restaurant MZE, you're going to need to sit on one of those long benches to fit all your dishes in. Your final bill depends on how much you order, but prices here are more than reasonable. For example, a classic chicken sandwich at Hammer Burger will set you back only Dhs39. Open daily 10am-1am. Dubai Festival City Mall, (058 524 5807). Drinks: Enjoy drinks at BAI Bar and Terrace Credit: BAI Bar and Terrace This canal-side spot is ideal for sipping a glass of something cold with a view, plus the sunsets against the Business Bay skyline always impress. Making for a brilliant budget spot, the terrace offers a daily hour where you can grab a drink for as little as Dhs25, so why not start your night with a couple of well-priced sundowners? From Dhs25. Daily 3pm-7pm. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Canal View, Business Bay, (04 875 3300). Brilliant bargains (Budget: Dhs250) A night out under Dhs250 in our opinion is a bargain, especially when you consider how many incredible things you can do in this city. This evening out will take you to Bluewaters Island, home to some impressive views and of course, Ain Dubai. However, on this occasion you won't be boarding the big wheel, you'll be having a blast dipping in and out of all that's on offer around it. Activity: Get competitive at Brass Monkey Credit: Brass Monkey This place is a one-stop fun shop for adults, where you can get competitive for a very reasonable price. Get the gang together and head there early as its first come, first served on the bowling lanes, which are priced at Dhs75 per person per game. Or if you don't want to show off how good your tenpin skills are, you can opt for a run at the arcade instead. You need to top up a card to play with a minimum of Dhs100, but split between two it's more than affordable, and you can get a go on Quick Shot or the air hockey table in no time. If you want to spend the night all in one place, it's worth noting there are top-notch dining deals on almost every night of the week too. For example, on a Monday you can have truffle mac and cheese with a pint of hops for Dhs99, or on Tuesday, it's a taco and a Mexican mixed drink for the same price. Expect vibey tunes, neon lights and a fun hangout where you can act like a big kid all the way until 2am. Open Mon-Wed 4pm-2am; Thu-Fri 4pm-3am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-2am. Bluewaters, (04 582 7277). Activity: Practise your putt at Swingers Crazy Golf Credit: Swingers Crazy Golf Recently landing in Bluewaters, this crazy course will let you have one full round for Dhs80, making it another bargain activity to get under your belt. There are three fun courses to choose from, made up of obstacles from hot air balloons to funfairs. If you fancy a mixed drink then you're in luck, as the venue lets you take your drinks round the course with you, meanwhile a live DJ will be playing some cracking beats in the background. Don't forget your phone either, because this place is made for the 'gram. From Dhs80. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat noon-2am, Sun noon-1am. Bluewaters Island, (04 557 6309). Dinner: Tuck in at Frank Credit: Instagram @frankmeat_me Just a few minutes down the road from your activity of choice on Bluewaters is this laid-back barbecue restaurant, perfect for filling you up on a budget. This place is all about generous portions, whether your opting for something from the meat or the tapas menu. Get stuck into a plate of the sweet cola wings, with popcorn, crispy beef bacon and French fries for Dhs65, or a hearty (and cheesy) margherita pizza for just Dhs52. If you're visiting with the gals on a Thursday then you're in even bigger luck, as you can make the most of one appetiser and free-flowing drinks for Dhs110 per person (bargain alert). Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am. Bluewaters Island, (058 634 8811). Drinks: Try some new music at VNYL Hi-Fi Credit: VNYL Hi-Fi By day, the venue is a chilled record store, letting you browse tracks and listen to some of the best music ever made. But by night, the DJ is mixing all the top-tapping tunes with even better company. As day turns to night, the space begins to heat up and that's when you'll want to make a swift move to the secret bar (yep, another bar inside the bar). Walk through the side door and up the spiralling staircase. Once you've passed all the '70s-style wallpaper and ducked through the curtain, your second venue of the night reveals itself. This might be a late-night spot, but the party starts far earlier. By 10pm both floors are busy, and you can let loose on the dancefloor. There's no doubt that you could ring up quite the bill in here, but if you're heading out on a tight budget, there's no need to. If you want to soak up the vibes and nip in for a quick dance, you can order a glass of grape or a bottle of Japanese hops for Dhs65. Open Mon-Fri 3pm-1am; Sat 1pm-4am; Sun 1pm-4am. Bluewaters Island, (052 249 4004). Something extra: Zip along for a scoop at Gelateria La Romana Credit: Gelateria La Romana Before you head home, stop in for a single scoop of gelato at the ice cream parlour, which has been coming up with new flavours all the way since 1947. One scoop only costs Dhs25, so you can end on a sugary note while taking a stroll along the boardwalk and taking in the super views. It's a sweet way to end your evening. Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Bluewaters Island, (04 228 2161). Middle-ground magic (Budget: Dhs500) Perhaps pay day has just rolled around and this time you have a little more disposable cash to throw around on a night out. Although this won't buy you a chauffeur-driven limousine and a table in VIP, it's more than enough to have a cracking night out on the town. For this special evening, we'll be proving that one Dhs500 note is more than enough to keep you going for the evening. Activity: Grab the mic at karaoke Credit: Lucky Voice Ignite the performer within you and dazzle your mates with a few renditions of your favourite tracks. Book in a private booth at Lucky Voice, where you can all sing (or screech) some songs out, and there's over 15,000 to choose from. Priced at Dhs44 per person on weekdays and Dhs55 on weekends for an hour slot, the venue also has a free-flowing Friday ladies' night for Dhs99 and other discounts in the week. Open Sun-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, (800 58259). Dinner: Savour a sizzling steak dinner for less Credit: Prime68 Head to Prime68 for 6pm, where you'll get to sample a three-course selection of signature dishes for only Dhs225 (yes you heard right). This sky-high restaurant has an early-bird dinner with jaw-dropping views of both the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab next to the sunset, depending which side you choose to sit on. However, you're guaranteed some gorgeous vistas either way. Start with French onion soup or truffle gnocchi, before delving into the mains, including Australian striploin or roasted salmon. What's more, you'll even get to pick your own steak knife and be treated to a library of sauces to dip into. You can also upgrade to a grape-pairing. Dhs225 (three-course menu), Dhs374 (three-course menu with grape pairing). Daily, 6pm-6.30pm. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, (04 414 3000). Drinks: Sip on something cool at Salmon Guru Credit: Salmon Guru This mixed-drink bar is known for its weird and wonderful creations, so don't bother with a glass of grape and go for something different. If you can, opt for a stool at the bar where you can watch your creation being crafted, as well as a live DJ bringing the beats all night. If you get peckish then opt for one of the bar bites, but at around Dhs80 per mixed-drink, you might only have the budget for a drink (or two). Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 5pm-2am. The Opus by Omniyat, @salmongurudubai (052 814 9537). Drinks: Soak up the vibes at Seven Sisters Credit: Seven Sisters Looking over the Dubai Canal, this bar knows how to have a good time. Open most the nights of the week with live DJs and an edgy energy, the drinks list is pretty reasonable too, so you won't have to slowly sip from the same glass all night. If you're visiting on a Wednesday or a Friday, then be sure to grab a table on the air-conditioned terrace between 6pm and 9pm (there's a Dhs30 happy hour). Open Tue-Sat 6pm-3am. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, (056 775 4777). Pricey perfection (Budget: Dhs1,000) There's a blowout night on the cards and you've got the cash to make it a great one. For a special evening out on the town, what better place to do it than on one of Dubai's most iconic locations, Palm Jumeirah. A popular spot during the day, after dark this neck of the woods gets even better, and you're going to be spoilt for choice on where to hang your hat for the night. Luckily, we've got the perfect itinerary. Activity: Dip in for a night swim at AURA Skypool Credit: AURA Skypool Pack your trunks and get ready for some incredible skyline views as you look over Palm Jumeirah at night. The sky-high pool has 360-degree views so you can get a few lengths in and check out the city lights glittering below you. Not only does this make for quite the photo (time to practise your best pose), the pool is temperature-controlled, so even though you're 50 floors up, you won't get chilly. Prices vary depending on which lounger you choose, but you can get access to the three-hour session for as little as Dhs225 per person. From Dhs225. Daily 8pm-11pm. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, (04 566 2121). Dinner: Marvel at the view at SUSHISAMBA Credit: SUSHISAMBA Whether you're peckish before or after your night swim is up to you, but either way, your dinner is right upstairs. The famous Japanese-Peruvian restaurant sits above AURA Skypool, so get yourself glammed up and book a table for some small plates with an eye-popping view of the city. As well as a ceviche (and a couple of crispy taquitos), you have to try the signature Samba Dubai roll (it's the only place in the world you can get it) with lobster, mango and wasabi for the ideal bite. If you're loving the vibe and want to stay all night long, nip through to the Samba Room next door, where you'll find live DJs and parties in the sky. Open Sun-Thu noon-3pm; 6pm-2am; Fri-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-3am. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, (04 278 4888). Dinner: Push the boat out at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Credit: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal If you're looking for an early dinner, then drive up the trunk of Palm Jumeirah straight towards Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. Known for its creative dishes (you'll surely have heard of the Meat Fruit), the discovery three-course set menu runs Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm-7pm. Letting you sample some of the restaurants finest creations for Dhs550 per person, each dish is based around reimagined historical discoveries and fascinations. If you want a dinner that's about more than just the food, this is it. It's also a prime chance to get a nosey into the world-famous hotel, see the water droplet sculpture and admire the fire and water Skyblaze Fountain. It's a real spectacle and will be a treat for the eyes (and the 'gram) at the end of the evening. Dhs550. Open Tue-Sun, 6pm-7pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 2444). Drinks: Relax and enjoy the view at Barfly by Buddha-Bar Credit: Barfly by Buddha Bar Ready for some stellar views and cool vibes? Tucked into the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the rooftop spot Barfly by Buddha-Bar has some incredible views over to Dubai Marina that are even better after dark. If you're arriving early, the bar has a sunset deal on Sundays through Thursdays, where drinks start from only Dhs28. Or if you're booked in for some after-dark sips, there's a lounge inside dedicated purely to a classic Italian mixed-drink that's definitely worth checking out. Open Sun-Tue 5pm-1am; Wed-Sat 5pm-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, (054 994 1460). Drinks: Sit and soak in the vibes at Tagomago Credit: Tagomago If you want a night out without blaring beats and packed crowds, then make your way round to the Balearic-inspired restaurant and bar. Offering up tables inside the standalone casa, out on the terrace and sprawling out onto the sand (that was shipped in from Ibiza itself), it'll be dreamy no matter where you sit (although you'll probably want to plump for indoors with AC). Playing soft Mediterranean tunes, you can sip on a crisp glass of grape starting from around Dhs70. You'll probably want to get stuck into a few of the tapas though, trust us it will be worth it. Open daily 10am-1am. Azure Residence, Palm Jumeirah, (04 832 6620). Not ready to go home: Sashay onto the dancefloor at Bling Credit: Bling If you want to feel *really* bougie, then stop by Bling for a dance into the early hours. Located at the trendy FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, not only is this nightclub slick, but you can even drive your supercar inside it and park up on the dancefloor (really). Table prices are in the thousands, but you can opt to stand and be a part of the crowd for far less. Depending on the night of the week, you'll be listening to sizzling Afrobeats, hip-hop or RnB all the way until 4am. Open Thu-Sun 10pm-4am; Tue 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, (058 869 8996). Blow the budget (Budget: *The sky is the limit*) This night out isn't a common occurrence, it's a special occasion or bucket list evening. The ultimate treat, you deserve to go all out with this one. In a city like Dubai, there are endless options of how your dream evening could look, so we've put together one dreamy option that will guarantee a memorable night out. Activity: Charter a private yacht tour Credit: VIP Yachts This is a dream evening out, so it starts just before sunset, when you'll be boarding your own private yacht to spend the next couple of hours on. Using VIP Yachts, you can choose from a selection of gorgeous boats in advance, and the cost will depend on just how upscale you want to go (some even come with hot tubs). Taking you out from Dubai Harbour into the sunset, watch the sky turn a fiery orange and enjoy a glass of something cold as the sea breeze blows through your hair. Prices vary. Dubai Harbour, (052 708 3946). Dinner: Have a feast at Urla Credit: Urla Expect only the best at this open-air restaurant, sitting proudly at the foot of Burj Khalifa. An Aegean-inspired restaurant, you'll be treated to some incredible plates of seafood while the Burj light show kicks off every half an hour for your entertainment. Start with the octopus carpaccio or the marrow beef tartare, before digging into rich forkfuls of the wagyu paella with black truffle and mushrooms. Push the boat out with the fresh lobster linguini and seeing as this is an all-out night, finish with the Urla dessert platter (or cheese platter if you're more of the savoury kind). This is one spot that's sure to wow. Open daily 3pm-3am. Address Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai, (052 554 5997). Dinner: Have an immersive experience at Krasota Credit: Krasota If you want to seriously upgrade your dinner, book in for a special meal at the gastro-theatre, where you'll be one of only 20 other diners in the room. Dive into the innovative eight-chapter menu, which comes from world-famous chef Vladimir Mukhin, while being surrounded by a series of immersive projections. With each dish designed to reflect the theme of the menu, you can expect to be wowed by some pretty high-end ingredients. Alongside the incredible art show, this is a unique experience. From Dhs1,500. Open daily 6pm & 9pm. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, (04 433 1258). Drinks: See the city skyline from CÉ LA VI After-dark Burj Khalifa views don't get better than this. Born in Singapore, this iconic sky bar now sits proudly on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel, looking straight across the golden lights of Downtown. Expect a live DJ and high terrace tables, a perfect spot to explore all that the mixed drink menu has to offer. Or, as this is a bucket list night after all, perhaps a bottle of bubbly would be better suited. Despite being a luxe spot, the venue offers a ladies' night on a Tuesday, where you can redeem free-flowing house beverages for Dhs150 from 10pm to 2am, so it's possible to do this place on a budget, too. Open Sun-Fri noon-3am; Sat 12.30pm-3am. Address Sky View Hotel, (04 582 6111). Drinks: Sip drinks in the world's tallest building at Credit: You can't get much more 'peak Dubai' than drinks in the tallest building on the planet. is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea, but we recommend heading along for some drinks at the bar and taking in the sights of the city while sipping something creative before you dine. One for a special occasion. Open daily 7am-midnight. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, (04 888 3828). More things to do in Dubai Missing Global Village? You'll enjoy these five alternatives just as much There's no need to miss out Where to take your friend in Dubai, no matter what their personality We've planned a full itinerary so you don't have to How to be a big kid in Dubai — from ball pits to laser tag We're throwing it back to the good old days
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sir Tom Jones hails 'wonderful man' in tribute after beloved BBC star dies
The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday that Alan had died at the age of 78 with a heartfelt statement. Sir Tom Jones has paid tribute to Alan Yentob after the legendary BBC executive and television presenter died over the weekend. The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday that Alan had died at the age of 78 with a heartfelt statement. Sir Tom, 84, turned to social media to pay tribute to the "talented and knowledgeable" Alan. Posting to Instagram, the 'Delilah' singer wrote: "The very sad loss of Alan Yentob is immeasurable. What a talented, knowledgeable, instinctive and wonderful man. He opened unexpected doors for me for which I am forever grateful. A true rarity in the creative world, the likes of which will not be seen again." He concluded with the words: "Rest in peace Alan, you will be missed, Tom Jones". As reported by the Express, Tom made an appearance on Alan's prominent BBC Two programme 'Imagine', where, in a sincere exchange in 2010, the interviewer delved into the crooner's life story. Tom spoke about his rise from his modest roots as a miner's son in South Wales to his emergence as an international singing sensation and a symbol of virility. During his illustrious career, Alan depicted and chatted with a plethora of significant figures in culture and creativity for television series including 'Omnibus', 'Arena', and 'Imagine', featuring personalities such as David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry. His roles extended to being in charge of both BBC One and Two - and he also fulfilled duties as the corporation's creative director and head of music and arts. Alan's bereaved spouse, Philippa Walker, announced his passing, revealing: "For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, and 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." Dawn French also paid tribute to her former BBC colleague Alan, writing: "We've lost a tip top chap. Our advocate from the start... Alan Yentob." Alan's wife Philippa said in a statement at the weekend: "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."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sir Tom Jones pays heartfelt tribute to 'wonderful man' after beloved star dies
Sir Tom Jones has penned an emotional message after the death of the BBC executive and television presenter Alan Yentob, who sadly died at the age of 78 earlier this week Sir Tom Jones has paid a poignant homage to the legendary BBC executive and television presenter Alan Yentob, who died over the weekend. The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday with an heartfelt statement, announcing that Alan had died at the age of 78. The 'Delilah' singer, 84, turned to social media to pay tribute to the "talented and knowledgeable" Alan. Posting to Instagram, Tom wrote: "The very sad loss of Alan Yentob is immeasurable. What a talented, knowledgeable, instinctive and wonderful man. He opened unexpected doors for me for which I am forever grateful. A true rarity in the creative world, the likes of which will not be seen again." He concluded with the words: "Rest in peace Alan, you will be missed, Tom Jones". In the past, Tom made an appearance on Alan's prominent BBC Two programme 'Imagine', where, in a sincere exchange in 2010, the interviewer delved into the crooner's life story, reports the Express. Tom spoke about his rise from his modest roots as a miner's son in South Wales to his emergence as an international singing sensation and a symbol of virility. During his illustrious career, Alan depicted and chatted with a plethora of significant figures in culture and creativity for television series including 'Omnibus', 'Arena', and 'Imagine', featuring personalities such as David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry. His roles extended to being in charge of both BBC One and Two, as well as fulfilling duties as the corporation's creative director and head of music and arts. Alan's bereaved spouse, Philippa Walker, announced his passing, revealing: "For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, and 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." Dawn French also paid tribute to her former BBC colleague Alan, writing: "We've lost a tip top chap. Our advocate from the start... Alan Yentob." Alan's wife Philippa said in a statement at the weekend: "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."
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Alan Yentob obituary
Alan Yentob, who has died aged 78, had serious claims to being the most influential broadcaster in Britain over the last 50 years. There are very few successful shows on the BBC – with whom he spent his entire career – which did not bear his influence as producer, commissioner or presenter. They range through high culture to showbiz, from the Arena and Imagine arts documentaries to the more demotic Noel's House Party, Strictly Come Dancing, Holby City and Ballykissangel, taking in Have I Got News for You, Bake Off and Absolutely Fabulous on the way. It was a formidable track record, leading to a series of executive positions within the corporation, which almost inevitably created critics at the BBC and, more poisonously, the conservative press. Its continuous denigration of him and through him the larger target of the BBC itself, ultimately contributed to his resignation following his outside chairmanship of the Kids Company charity, which collapsed in a welter of debt in 2015. A famously disorganised figure, more concerned with programme ideas than administration, always on the lookout to cultivate and befriend the powerful, and seemingly with a kind of grandiosity, he was easy to mock. Liz Forgan, the former chair of the Scott Trust, owners of the Guardian, who worked with Yentob at the BBC, told the paper in 2016: 'He is ludicrously vain ... is unbelievably snobbish and lives a life which is completely inappropriate and silly. You ask yourself does he deliver value sufficiently to justify all the nonsenses? And yes he does, you know, by miles.' More insidiously, his friend the novelist Hanif Kureishi noted in the same article: 'A posh Jew poncing around at the public expense: what's not to hate?' In fact, the supposed extravagance, on examination showed Yentob underclaimed on expenses. There were dark tinges in the mock reversal of his name to Botney, first in Private Eye, then within the BBC, where he was also parodied by some as the Oily Levantine. 'I always looked as if I was having too much fun,' he told the Guardian in 2016. 'It is very good I said that because it's true. But they have certainly done their fucking best to make it feel as bad as possible.' No one ever doubted Yentob's devotion to the arts however, or to public service broadcasting by the BBC. The son of Iraqi-Jewish parents, Alan was born with his twin brother Robert in Stepney, east London, to Flora (nee Khazam) and Isaac, known as Kay, Yentob, a former drinks salesman who worked for his brother-in-law's textile business and moved his family to Didsbury, in Manchester. They moved back south again a decade later, to an apartment on Park Lane. The sons were sent as boarders to the King's school, Ely. Alan spent a year at Grenoble University before taking a law degree at Leeds University and, on graduation in 1968 was the only non-Oxbridge entrant to that year's BBC traineeship scheme. His ascent through the ranks as a producer was rapid: from World Service radio at Bush House to a producer and director on television arts features. On the flagship series Omnibus he made his name in 1975 with a documentary on David Bowie called Cracked Actor. It was the first time the BBC had devoted an entire programme to a pop star, and it was rebroadcast in the Imagine series in 2013. A hallmark of Yentob's approach to programmes was his embrace of a wide definition of culture. His meticulous approach to production values, working laboriously through the night on films, sleeping in his office, making his ideas work, emphasised his commitment. He was also prepared, as he gained influence and status within the department, to commission whole programmes on one personality or art form: a three-hour film on Orson Welles was one such in 1982, a live broadcast of Verdi's opera Stiffelio from Covent Garden in 1993 was another. There were also separate programmes such as an interview with the playwright Arthur Miller and a paean to the Ford Cortina. Inevitably the stars became friends – Mel Brooks and his wife Anne Bancroft were godparents to his children – and the old arts magazine format embracing portmanteau subjects faded away. There were costume dramas he commissioned too: Pride and Prejudice (1995) was one, Life on Mars (2006-07) another, and in 2002 there was a whole new channel: CBeebies. The award-winning success of such programmes – Baftas three years running (1982-84) for the Arena documentaries of which he was editor, programming supremo of the year at the Broadcast Production Awards in 1997 – was accompanied by progress up the Corporation ladder: head of music and arts (1985-88), controller of BBC Two (1988-93), BBC One (1993-96), director of programmes (1996-97), director of television (1997-2000), director of drama, entertainment and children's programmes (2000-04) and creative director (2004-15), in charge of 2,000 people and an annual budget of £500m. The only promotion he lacked was director general – he was too disorganised for that. Increasingly instead he appeared in front of the camera as a presenter and interviewer, creating his public profile. This all made him a hugely powerful figure within the BBC and broadcasting generally, shaping and personalising television's evolving approach to the arts. He could undoubtedly have made more money elsewhere, in commercial broadcasting or in the US, but he chose to stay within the corporation, very well remunerated but not stratospherically paid. Then came the Kids Company affair. Yentob first became involved in 1997 with the organisation helping deprived inner-city children in London, run by the charismatic psychotherapist Camila Batmanghelidjh. It was the artistic work the charity was doing with the children that appealed to him, and he became chair of trustees from 2003 as it expanded exponentially before collapsing in 2015 as funding was reduced. It had had regular cash crises before the government pulled the plug on its support. A parliamentary inquiry asserted that the charity had been run on wishful thinking: Yentob responded that it was not 'boxtickable' – 'it was not run like other places, so you had to believe in it.' Critics said that his involvement was similar to the way he ran arts at the BBC: celebrity supporters and heedless use of funding. The tabloid press, which had previously lionised Batmanghelidjh, turned on the organisation and on Yentob personally. It did not help that the BBC was negotiating the renewal of its charter at the time. Anthony Wall, Arena's editor, told the Guardian later: 'I am not saying Alan hasn't pissed people off over the years, but there was something else going on as well. There are people who are going to profit hugely from the destruction of the BBC.' Yentob had made himself an easy target. He was accused of paying insufficient regard to the running of the charity and also, within the BBC, of pressurising colleagues at Newsnight to downplay its problems. He appeared outside the Today programme office as Batmanghelidjh was being interviewed, and it was these incidents that ultimately led to his resignation in December 2015. Yentob was subsequently cleared of the charges following an investigation by the BBC Trust and also later of overseeing maladministration at the charity. He may have been off-staff but he did not cease to work for the BBC, presenting and producing documentaries for the Imagine series from 2003 up to the end of his life. Last year he was appointed CBE. Among his other involvements was the board of directors of Riverside Studios, the British Film Institute production board and chairmanship of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (2002-10). Yentob's partner for 40 years was the documentary producer Philippa Walker, with whom he had two children, Jacob and Bella. The couple married in 2020. She and their children survive him. Alan Yentob, broadcaster and television executive, born 11 March 1947, died 24 May 2025
Yahoo
4 days ago
- 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
