ABC executive Duncan Gray has been appointed as the final key member of ITV's new entertainment team.

Gray was formerly controller of entertainment at Granada, where he oversaw hits including Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Popstars: The Rivals and Braniac, before moving to LA in 2002 to become ABC's vp of alternative series and specials. His US credentials include Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Wife Swap and late night talkshow Jimmy Kimmel Live.

At ITV he will hold the position of controller of entertainment, reporting directly to Paul Jackson, another US import and ITV's director of entertainment and comedy.

“Some opportunities make you turn your life upside down," said Gray. "I've had an unforgettable three years working for ABC but getting the chance to come back to where I belong and work with such a formidably talented group of old friends and new colleagues for ITV is simply irresistible. I can't wait to start."