E4 head named new BBC Three controller

E4 controller Julian Bellamy has been confirmed as the successor to Stuart Murphy at BBC Three.

The 35-year-old, also head of factual commissioning at C4, will take up the role in the New Year. Murphy quit the corporation in October to join Wife Swap producers RDF as creative director.

"I'm delighted Julian will be joining us in BBC Television," said Jana Bennett, director of television. "He has fantastic experience of building channels and brands in a multi-platform digital environment, a very strong creative background and terrific relations with talent and the production community."

Bellamy added: "The BBC is new territory for me and I admire what BBC Three has achieved with new talent and comedy. I'm really looking forward to working with Jana to take BBC Three to a new level for audiences and exploring new ideas that will ensure the channel continues to innovate, develop and create real excitement."