Alan Yentob, a creative force and one of the most influential figures in modern British broadcasting, died on Saturday at the age of 78, his family confirmed. A former BBC executive and longtime presenter, Yentob helped shape generations of programming, pushing artistic boundaries and expanding the reach of public service broadcasting.
In a statement released by the BBC, Yentob’s wife, Philippa Walker, described him as “curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body,” and, above all, “the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man.” She added, “He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.”
From Trainee to Tastemaker
Yentob’s career began in 1968, when he joined the BBC as a trainee. Over the following decades, he rose through the ranks to hold some of the corporation’s most senior roles, including Controller of BBC One and BBC Two, Director of Television, and Creative Director.
Among the many programs he championed were “Absolutely Fabulous,” “Have I Got News for You,” and the iconic 1995 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” He was instrumental in launching CBBC and CBeebies, now cornerstones of British children’s programming. His influence extended well beyond scheduling and budgets — he was a curator of talent, a mentor to creatives, and a fierce advocate for the arts.
A Face for the Arts
Yentob was not only a power behind the camera. He became a familiar face to audiences through the BBC’s arts programming, first on “Omnibus” and “Arena” in the 1970s, and later as the editor and presenter of “Imagine,” a documentary series exploring art, music, literature, and film. Running from 2003, “Imagine” showcased Yentob’s distinctive style: intelligent, curious, and always generous with his subjects.
Colleagues and collaborators often spoke of his knack for blending insight with accessibility, elevating public appreciation for modern and contemporary art. As Amol Rajan, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s “Today,” put it in a video tribute, “Modern art never had a more loyal ally… His shows were always brilliant, often masterpieces, sometimes seminal.”
Tributes from Across the Cultural Spectrum
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from across the British cultural landscape. Dawn French, co-creator of “Absolutely Fabulous,” posted a photograph alongside Jennifer Saunders and Yentob, calling him “our advocate from the start.” The Pet Shop Boys described him as “a legend in British TV,” and comedian David Baddiel hailed him as a “king of TV.”
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BBC Director General Tim Davie called Yentob “a towering figure” in the history of the BBC and British culture. “For nearly 60 years, Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition,” Davie said. “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 Public Intellectual with a Private Glow
Though sometimes criticized for his outspoken views or involvement in internal controversies — such as during the fallout of the Kids Company scandal — Yentob remained a passionate advocate for the values of public broadcasting. He defended the BBC as a unique space for curiosity, creativity, and education, open to all.
In private, those who knew him best describe a man who relished conversation, lived for discovery, and maintained a mischievous sense of humor. “He was magnetic, zealous and very funny, with a mesmerising voice and mischievous chuckle,” Rajan said.
Tributes paid to BBC legend Alan Yentob after broadcaster’s death https://t.co/hnu0Jn3h86 pic.twitter.com/5iS87wsLVp
— The Independent (@Independent) May 25, 2025
Enduring Influence
Yentob’s legacy is interwoven with the evolution of British television itself. His work influenced how audiences understood the arts and inspired generations of artists, producers, and viewers alike. As both a broadcaster and an executive, he remained committed to the BBC’s founding mission — not just to inform, educate, and entertain, but to uplift.
He is survived by his wife, Philippa, and their children, Jacob and Bella. His family, in their statement, summed up his spirit: “Every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. alan Our life was exciting, he was exciting.”
In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and market imperatives, Alan Yentob stood for something deeper: the belief that the arts matter, that creativity is a alan public good, and that broadcasting can still be a beacon of culture.
