BBC appoints Yorke head of in-house drama

The BBC has promoted its current controller of continuing drama, John Yorke, to the position of head of in-house drama.

The move will bring all in-house production at BBC England under a single department led by Yorke, who will report to the BBC's director of drama, entertainment and children's output Alan Yentob.

Kate Harwood, currently the executive producer of EastEnders, has been appointed head of series and serials. Diederick Santer will replace Harwood at the soap, and will also be responsible for developing younger-skewing dramas.

Nicholas Brown will join the BBC in the newly-created role of director of drama production, while Sally Woodward Gentle will round out the in-house drama department's management team as creative director.

"This outstanding team will work in partnership to lead the newly invigorated and talented in-house drama department," said Yentob. "I am confident that they will build on the considerable successes of the past few years and seize the opportunities ahead. The new department will become the largest developer and producer of drama in the UK, with the broadest range of output and best array of talent."