BBC chief to ban new soaps

The new controller of BBC1 today signalled an end to more soaps in favour of original dramas, arts programmes and comedy.

Peter Fincham, revealed today as the surprise appointment to one of the most powerful roles in television, indicated a shakeup for EastEnders with a new time slot. He said it was "unlikely" that BBC1 would commission another major soap.

Mr Fincham, the independent producer behind such hits as Jamie's Kitchen and I'm Alan Partridge, said: "BBC1 wants and needs strong, long-running original drama. But we also need a full range. We need everything from The Lost Prince to popular serials and soaps. The audience wants BBC1 to produce a lot of original drama."

His appointment comes less than two months after he resigned as chief executive of leading independent programme maker Talkback Thames - a role which outgoing BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey has left to take.

In addition to a new emphasis on drama, arts and comedy Mr Fincham, 48, pledged more flagship seasons such as the forthcoming Africa programmes, and to encourage more big-name talent to the channel.

He said: "My background originally is in comedy and I think it's terribly important for major channels to have their tent pole comedy shows. That's something I want to bring a lot of focus to."

Paying tribute to "comedies of the moment" such as Little Britain, which has achieved mainstream success through first launching on radio, then from BBC3 through BBC2 and to BBC1, he said: "Nurturing talents within the organisation is vital but I also think it's important to find the new comedies that can play straight to a mainstream audience."

Asked about the BBC's golden handshakes for stars such as Graham Norton - who has been paid £3.5million to move from Channel 4 - Mr Fincham did not rule out recruiting more big-name acts in similar deals. "I don't rule out big signings of new talent," he insisted.

He said struggling BBC1 soap EastEnders is "an absolutely crucial part of the BBC1 schedule and will continue to be. Of course we've got to find the right place in the schedule for it. We live in a moving world where all schedules move."

Announcing Mr Fincham's appointment, BBC director of television Jana Bennett said: "If there are maybe 10 people who have shaped television over the last decade, Peter is one of them. He has a formidable track record in delivering original and outstanding programmes... and the knack of making them appeal to broad audiences.

"He is known as someone who attracts the best talent, supports the best ideas and then backs them with a tenacious passion." Mr Fincham said: "I can't think of a better challenge or more exciting adventure than heading up BBC1.

"It is so important to our national life. I grew up on BBC1, cowering behind the sofa when Dr Who was on. I think in a world where there are now hundreds of channels BBC1 gets more - not less - important."

His appointment comes as the BBC is going through a major overhaul of its budget and programming ideals. A recently published Government Green Paper on the future of the corporation insisted it must stop chasing ratings and focusing on "copycat" programming-However, Mr Fincham said: "Am I going to chase ratings? Well, I certainly want to chase success. Maybe the way we define that has to change. I think BBC1 can measure its success by the way it serves its audience. It has the broadest possible viewership which it needs to serve in many ways."

Mr Fincham also vowed to keep a "balance" between independent programmes commissioned by BBC1 and its in-house productions - which he described as the "crown jewels" of the BBC.