Five confirms Gale as programmes chief

The BBC's Ben Gale will be the new director of programmes at Five, it was confirmed today.

Gale, currently the corporation's commissioning editor for features and formats, will replace Jay Hunt when she leaves to become controller of BBC One.

Five's managing director of content Lisa Opie said: "I’m delighted that we have secured such a talented and creative executive as Ben to this key role at the channel.

"This is a tremendously exciting time at Five, both in terms of creativity and ratings success, and I know Ben is the right person to take the main channel onto even greater heights."

The news comes after Five recorded seven consecutive weeks of year-on-year audience growth for the first time since 2003. Gale said: "The channel has enjoyed a great start to the year and I can’t wait to become part of the Five team and help to build on that success."

Gale's background is in factual entertainment and before becoming a commissioner he was a BBC executive producer for features and documentaries. His credits included The Real Hustle and The Choir.