BBC told: Keep popular dramas off primetime

THE BBC should avoid scheduling its popular shows at peak times when they clash with other broadcasters’ best offerings, says a rival TV boss.

Former BBC One controller Jay Hunt, who is now chief creative officer at Channel 4, said it is difficult for commercial channels to compete with the Beeb.

She said: ‘I think that the BBC needs to be mindful of the impact of their scheduling decisions because I know … there is no consequence for the BBC if it doesn’t work. But there is a very real consequence if a big expensive drama doesn’t work for a commercial channel.’ Speak- ing at the Edinburgh international TV festival, Hunt said she thought the situation was improving but would continue to be a problem.

Questioned about the scheduling of the BBC’s Poldark against ITV’s new costume drama Victoria, Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, admitted: ‘It would be best if BBC One, at the time we were playing Victoria, had some marvellous public service film about LGBT matters.’ But he added: ‘I think there are enough viewers for both shows to succeed.’