Shaps: Allen was a "great boss"

ITV director of television Simon Shaps has spoken of his personal disappointment over chief executive Charles Allen's resignation.

Speaking to a packed audience of delegates at the weekend - including Allen - Shaps described the outgoing chief as "a great boss to work for".

"MacTaggart was a clear statement of what he believes," he said, referring to Allen's keynote speech - in which he attacked Channel 4 for having "no public remit".

"He's not a commissioner," he continued, "and has been incredibly supportive of the team... in what has been a tough period. On a personal level, I'm clearly disappointed [he is going]."

Asked what he wanted from the new CEO, he replied: "A person who supports the team without trying to micro-manage what they do."