The top job at BBC 1 is likely to go to another woman, following the announcement by current Controller Lorraine Heggessey that she is quitting the post. Word is Sophie Turner-Laing, Deputy
Managing Director of Sky Networks, Alison Sharman, the Beeb's
Daytime Controller, and Jane Tranter, the BBC Controller Of
Drama, are currently the leading candidates for the job. Representing the male species in the favourites list is Channel 4's Director
Of Programmes Kevin Lygo, though insiders say he won't want to leave his current job just yet, and that he would be looking for a more senior post if and when he returns to the Beeb.
That said, Lygo is still the bookies second favourite to get the job (can you believe people are betting on this?). Tranter is favourite with 5:4 odds, Sharman follows Lygo at 4-1 and Turner-Laing is in fourth place at 8-1. A spokesman for Ladbrokes told reporters:
"The people we've seen interest in are Jane Tranter and
Kevin Lygo. The others we've not taken much money on. There isn't the same level of money being taken as when we had the director general appointment."