ITV Productions is to merge its two London departments, following drama controller Michele Buck's announcement that she is to leave the company.

The company's comedy and drama merged departments will be unit run by Andy Harries, who is also planning to leave ITV Productions in December.

A new controller is will be found to take charge of the enlarged department, which will sit alongside it operations in Manchester and Leeds.

ITV Productions director John Whiston said the company was looking for someone who bring could bring in "new ideas and a different set of contacts and relationships."

Buck is believed to be considering a role at independent production company, Mammoth Screen, set up by former ITV Production's head of drama, Damien Timmer. Mammoth is currently working on an adaptation of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights for ITV1.