Alan Yentob has died aged 78.
The previous TV presenter – who additionally served because the controller of BBC One and Two – handed away on Saturday (24.05.25).
Philippa Walker, his spouse, stated in an announcement: “Every single day with Alan held the promise of one thing sudden. Our life was thrilling, he was thrilling.
“He was curious, humorous, annoying, late, and inventive in each cell of his physique. However greater than that, he was the kindest of males and a profoundly ethical man. He leaves in his wake a path of affection a mile broad.”
Yentob interviewed an array of well-known public figures – together with the likes of David Bowie, Charles Saatchi and Maya Angelou – throughout his broadcasting profession for reveals equivalent to ‘Think about’ and ‘Omnibus’.
And Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, has paid a glowing tribute to Yentob, describing him as a “inventive pressure and cultural visionary”.
He added: “To work with Alan was to be impressed and inspired to assume greater. He had a uncommon present for figuring out expertise and lifting others up – a mentor and champion to so many throughout the worlds of tv, movie and theatre.
“Above all, Alan was a real unique. His ardour wasn’t performative – it was private. He believed within the energy of tradition to complement, problem and join us.”
Yentob grew to become controller of BBC Two in 1988, and he was chargeable for commissioning hit TV reveals equivalent to ‘Completely Fabulous’ and ‘Have I Acquired Information for You’.
Yentob served because the controller of BBC One between 1993 and 1997, after which grew to become the company’s inventive director in 2004.
Amol Rajan, the ‘In the present day’ host, has heaped reward on Yentob, describing the broadcaster as a “distinctive and type man”.
The 41-year-old presenter – who additionally hosts ‘College Problem’ – stated: “Fashionable artwork by no means had a extra loyal ally. His reveals had been all the time sensible, typically masterpieces, typically seminal. A lot of Britain’s greatest TV over 5 many years got here through his desk. That was public Alan. In non-public, he was magnetic, zealous, and really humorous, with a mesmerising voice and mischievous chuckle.”
Yentob was awarded a CBE for companies to the humanities and media in 2024.
