Neumann to cover for Taylor at Virgin

Former ITV2 controller Daniela Neumann has been appointed acting director of programmes for Virgin Media Television's Virgin 1, Bravo, Bravo 2, Challenge and Trouble channels while Celia Taylor takes maternity leave.

Neumann said: "There is no doubt that Virgin Media is a very exciting place to be right now. I am thrilled to be standing in as Director of Programmes for Celia Taylor. Virgin 1 is already proving itself to be a strong force on Freeview and I hope to build on all the good work that has begun. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in across a number of channels and continuing to build on this very strong brand."

Neumann will start in December and report directly to Virgin Media's director of television, Claudia Rosencrantz.

"Celia's shoes are hard ones to fill so I'm thrilled that Dani has agreed to come and look after Celia's channels while she is on maternity leave," said Rosencrantz. "Having worked alongside her at ITV, I know Dani is creative, passionate and committed, so I'm very much looking forward to working with her again."