ITV entertainment chief steps down

ITV entertainment controller Duncan Gray has stepped down after two years overseeing hits such as The X Factor and Dancing on Ice.

Gray was convinced to join the broadcaster in 2006 by director of television Simon Shaps, who is now being replaced at the network by Peter Fincham. His commissions have included Grease is the Word, News Knight and Duel.

"All good things must come to an end and I wish my successor all the best in what is a very special job," said Gray.

"I have been lucky to work with the very best performers and producers in the UK and I'd like to thank them all for their support. I've yet to make a decision about what I'm going to do next but in the immediate future I'll simply be enjoying some time off."

Favourites to replace him in the key ITV post are Talent TV's John Kaye Cooper, formerly LWT entertainment controller, and Stuart Murphy, creative director at Two Four, according to Broadcast.

ITV chief operating officer John Cresswell said: "ITV1 is the home of entertainment and event programming in the UK and Duncan's contribution to the channel's programming over the past two years has been invaluable. Of his many achievements, Britain's Got Talent debut as the most successful new series of 2007 in the UK speaks for itself."

Before taking the ITV job Gray spent four years in the US overseeing entertainment shows for ABC and was previously controller of entertainment for Granada.