Alan Yentob, TV presenter and former BBC executive, dies aged 78 — Russell T Davies leads tributes

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A steady stream of tributes is being paid out after the passing of television host and ex-BBC executive, Alan Yentob, at the age of 78.

It was announced by Yentob’s family that he had passed away on the 24th of May, last Saturday.

According to his wife, Philippa Walker, each day spent with Alan was filled with surprises for Jacob, Bella, and her. Their life together was thrilling, as Alan himself was an exhilarating presence.

In every fiber of his being, he was a mixture of intrigue, humor, irritation, tardiness, and creativity. However, what truly defined him was not just his kindness but also his deep moral integrity. He departs, leaving behind a path of affection that stretches a mile wide.

1968 marked the beginning of Alan Yentob’s career with the BBC, where he initially started as a trainee at the World Service. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, holding positions such as controller for both BBC One and BBC Two, director of television, and head of music and art.

He initiated the development of kids’ channels like CBBC and CBeebies, and also greenlit series including Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, and Wallace and Gromit.

Or, more casually:

He got things rolling for children’s channels CBBC and CBeebies, and gave the go-ahead for shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, and Wallace and Gromit.

He also commissioned dramas including Middlemarch, Pride And Prejudice and Ballykissangel.

During my time there, I not only graced the silver screen but also curated captivating programs for the BBC. Among these creations were an ongoing arts show titled “Imagine,” which premiered in 2003, and a riveting series delving into the life of the legendary artist, Leonardo da Vinci.

He was presented with a CBE by the King in 2024 for services to the arts and media.

After hearing about his death, the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie expressed his sentiments by stating: “Alan Yentob was an immense presence in British broadcasting and the arts. A dynamic innovator and cultural pioneer, he influenced programming at the BBC for many years, as well as beyond, due to his love for storytelling and commitment to public service, which will continue to impact us.

He went on to say: “Primarily, Alan stood out as an authentic individual. His enthusiasm wasn’t just for show – it came from within. He had faith that culture has the ability to nourish, provoke, and bring us together.

Social media is awash with tributes, including a heartfelt post from Russell T Davies (of Doctor Who fame) on Instagram. He shared a picture of himself and Yentob, both posing inside the TARDIS.

Davies commented below, “It’s unfortunate to learn about Alan. Look at him here on the TARDIS in 2023; he was one of the show’s strongest advocates, serving for many years. When Doctor Who stopped airing in 1989, he spearheaded the negotiations that resulted in the Paul McGann movie.

Speaking in my own words, I’ve crossed paths with him frequently throughout the years at BBC. He played a pivotal role in airing my production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on BBC One. A memory that stands out was when I walked into a room and there sat Alan Titchmarsh and Salman Rushdie, both resembling wise owls as they looked up at me. At first, I only knew him from his work, but our acquaintance deepened when he created an Imagine documentary about me. It was then that I realized what a witty, intelligent, and playful individual he truly was. Overflowing with tales! He seemed to have met everyone! All the chatter was delightful, devoid of any malice. And there was no distinction for him between high culture and low culture. Whether it was Doctor Who or Tolstoy or French & Saunders or Bowie, he had a fervor for everything.

He mentioned: “He was an absolute blast! In a scene that didn’t air, we visited my local café, Mumbles Coffee, and he charmed everyone. A delightful companion, he showed great affection towards our top barista, KingSriley – he seemed genuinely interested in everyone. We laughed heartily!

During our chat on the TARDIS with him, it became evident that he had an immense passion for Doctor Who. I shared stories about the Toymaker and the Star Beast, and his eyes sparkled with delight. What a fantastic man! His career transcends this – explore the vast array of work he’s accomplished online. He mentioned that his David Bowie documentary, Cracked Actor, was one of his most cherished creations, produced at a time when not many recognized the seriousness of rock stars. As always, he was visionary. A remarkable individual, who created remarkable things, and appreciated great art. Goodnight, Alan. Well done.

Simultaneously, Channel 4 anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy expressed his condolences, posting on X (formerly known as Twitter): “It’s terribly sad to hear about Alan Yentob. He was a brilliant, creative individual who passionately advocated for causes he cared about and created remarkable programs that will continue to inspire for years to come.

He went on to say: “It’s not unexpected that he had such an extended career at the pinnacle and was relied upon by numerous individuals. I owed him a great deal – he gave me a spot on BBC1, stood by me when I faced criticism for posing challenging questions, and even took the time to write to me expressing his support.

He frequently sent me messages about C4 News, and he would often mention that Unreported World was the show he secretly wished he could have produced.

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2025-05-26 12:34