BBC1 controller quits

Lorraine Heggessey has quit as controller of BBC1, it was announced today.

She is taking up a new post as chief executive of Talkback Thames, the company behind Pop Idol and The Bill.

Heggessey was made controller of BBC1 in September 2000.

BBC director-general Mark Thompson said: "I said when I appointed her five years ago that Lorraine was a programme maker through and through; someone who had a great knack of recognising an original idea and making it work on screen.

“During her time at BBC1 she has proved that over and over again. Her shoes may be small, but they’ll be hard to fill.”