A visionary cultural TV impresario

FROM high culture to Noel’s House Party, Alan Yentob is widely considered to be the most influential broadcaster in British television over the last 50 years.

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He spent his entire career at the BBC and many thought he would have become Director General if he hadn’t always been so disorganised.

Instead there were few successful BBC shows the creative guru didn’t have a hand in as commissioner, presenter or producer - from Arena and the Imagine arts documentaries to ratings hits like Strictly..., Bake Off and Have I Got News For You.

Hugely popular dramas like Holby City and Ballykissangel, the hit comedy Absolutely Fabulous and costume dramas like Pride and Prejudice and to Life on Mars were among his commissions.