Alan Yentob, who passed away at the age of 78, made an indelible mark as one of the most prominent broadcasters in Britain throughout the past five decades. Few successful programs on the BBC—where he dedicated his entire career—were not shaped by his contributions as a producer, commissioner, or presenter. His work encompassed a vast array of genres, from high art to popular entertainment, including significant titles such as the arts documentaries Arena and Imagine, as well as more mainstream efforts like Noel’s House Party, Strictly Come Dancing, Holby City, and Ballykissangel. He also played a role in producing Have I Got News for You, Bake Off, and Absolutely Fabulous.

Yentob’s impressive legacy led him to various executive roles within the BBC, which inevitably spurred criticism from colleagues and, more destructively, from the conservative press. This ongoing disparagement—aimed at him and, by extension, the BBC as a whole—played a part in his resignation following the controversial collapse of the Kids Company charity, where he served as an external chair, due to overwhelming debt in 2015.

Known for his chaotic working style and a greater commitment to creative ideas than to management logistics, he often courted influential figures and exuded a certain grandiosity that made him a target for ridicule.

Liz Forgan, former chair of the Scott Trust, owners of the Guardian, collaborated with Yentob at the BBC and remarked in 2016 that he was “ludicrously vain” and “unbelievably snobbish,” living a lifestyle that many found outlandish. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that his contributions justified his demeanor, declaring that he delivered value beyond measure.

Conversely, novelist Hanif Kureishi, a friend of Yentob’s, commented: “A posh Jew poncing around at the public expense: what’s not to hate?” However, upon closer examination, the supposed flamboyance of Yentob’s expenses revealed that he often underreported them. His reputation was further tarnished by the playful alteration of his surname to “Botney” in Private Eye and within BBC circles, where he was also humorously referred to as the Oily Levantine.

Yentob reflected in a 2016 interview, “I always looked as if I was having too much fun,” acknowledging that while he may have appeared carefree, others did their utmost to make his experience challenging. Yet, no one disputed his passion for the arts or his commitment to public broadcasting through the BBC.

Born to Iraqi-Jewish parents in Stepney, East London, Alan and his twin brother Robert were raised by Flora (née Khazam) and Isaac “Kay” Yentob, a drinks salesman who later helped run a textile business. The family relocated to Didsbury, Manchester, before returning south to a residence on Park Lane.

The brothers attended boarding school at King’s School in Ely. Alan briefly studied at Grenoble University before completing a law degree at Leeds University, where he became the sole non-Oxbridge candidate to join the BBC traineeship scheme in 1968.

His rise as a producer was swift, starting from World Service radio at Bush House to creating various television arts features. He gained significant recognition in 1975 with a documentary on David Bowie called Cracked Actor, which was the BBC’s first dedicated program on a pop artist. This documentary was later rebroadcast in the Imagine series in 2013.

Yentob’s programming often showcased a broad interpretation of culture, reflecting his dedication to high production standards. He often worked tirelessly, sometimes sleeping at the office, to ensure his visions came to fruition.

As he climbed the ranks, he boldly commissioned entire programs focused on singular personalities or art forms, such as a three-hour film on Orson Welles in 1982 and a live broadcast of Verdi’s Stiffelio from Covent Garden in 1993. His connection with stars was such that Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft became godparents to his children.

His portfolio also included beloved costume dramas like Pride and Prejudice (1995) and Life on Mars (2006-07), alongside launching the children’s channel CBeebies in 2002.

The acclaim of Yentob’s contributions—evidenced by three consecutive BAFTA wins from 1982 to 1984 for his Arena documentaries—was paralleled by his ascension within the corporation’s hierarchy: roles included head of music and arts, controller of BBC Two and One, director of programmes and television, and creative director overseeing a large budget and workforce.

Despite his substantial influence, he never ascended to the director general position, attributed to his notorious disorganization. Instead, he became a familiar face as a presenter and interviewer, enhancing his public profile and consolidating his powerful position within the BBC and the broader broadcasting landscape.

Although he could have pursued more lucrative opportunities in commercial television or the United States, Yentob chose to remain at the BBC, where he was well compensated but not excessively so.

His association with Kids Company began in 1997, supporting the charity led by the dynamic psychotherapist Camila Batmanghelidjh, aimed at assisting underprivileged children in London. Attracted to its artistic initiatives, Yentob took on the role of chair of trustees in 2003, just before the organization expanded dramatically and later faltered financially in 2015 as funding dwindled.

A parliamentary investigation criticized the charity for being poorly managed, to which Yentob contended it operated on principles beyond typical measures—asserting it couldn’t simply be “boxtickable.” Detractors argued that his leadership mirrored his approach at the BBC, characterized by celebrity involvement and reckless spending.

Once hailed as a champion of Batmanghelidjh, the tabloid media quickly turned against both her and Yentob, especially as the BBC was in negotiations to renew its charter.

Anthony Wall, editor of Arena, remarked that while Yentob may have ruffled feathers over the years, there were deeper motivations behind the attacks on him, indicating that certain individuals stood to gain from damaging the BBC’s reputation. Yentob had rendered himself a convenient target.

Accusations arose that he neglected the charity’s operational aspects and pressured BBC colleagues at Newsnight to downplay its financial woes. He even appeared outside the Today program office while Batmanghelidjh was being interviewed, and these instances contributed to his eventual resignation in December 2015. An investigation by the BBC Trust later cleared him of wrongdoing regarding the charity’s management.

Although he stepped down from his formal role, Yentob continued to produce and present documentaries for the Imagine series up until his passing. He was appointed CBE last year and participated on various boards, including Riverside Studios and the British Film Institute, as well as chairing the Institute of Contemporary Arts from 2002 to 2010.

For forty years, he shared his life with documentary producer Philippa Walker, with whom he had two children, Jacob and Bella. The couple married in 2020, and she, along with their children, survives him.

Alan Yentob, broadcaster and television executive, born March 11, 1947; died May 24, 2025.