Elaine Bedell is stepping down from ITV

ITV director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell is stepping down after seven years with the UK broadcaster.
Bedell, whose credits include entertainment and comedy shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, will leave ITV at the end of February.
The announcement of her departure follows that of ITV director of television Peter Fincham, who is leaving at the end of this month to be replaced by ITV Studios chief Kevin Lygo.

“Elaine has been a tremendous colleague over the past seven years and has led the entertainment and comedy team with unswerving commitment and enormous flair,” said Fincham today. “I can completely understand why she wants to seek new pastures and I wish her the very best of luck.”

The appointment of Lygo as Fincham’s replacement raised questions about Bedell’s future since the former Channel 4 exec brings his own strong entertainment and comedy credentials to the role.
Lygo said: “Elaine has done a great job running entertainment and comedy at ITV. We have worked closely together during my time at ITV Studios and I am sorry that she has decided to step down, and that we won’t get a chance to work together when I cross the divide to look after the channels business. I wish her every success for the future.”

Bedell added: “I’ve had the privilege of being closely involved with some of the very best entertainment and comedy talent in the UK and worked with some exceptional producers – as well as the brilliant, unbelievably hard-working teams here at the network.

“I’m very proud of our output, but seven years is a long time to be a commissioner and it’s time for me to move on and let someone else make their mark. I wish Kevin all the very best.”

Top of Lygo’s inbox will be whether or not to renew three-year deals for two of the broadcaster’s top properties – The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent – while also finding a place for The Voice in the schedule after outbidding the BBC for the format.