John Yorke returns to the BBC

As widely predicted, John Yorke is leaving his post at Channel 4 to return to the BBC, along with his assistant Lucy Richer, reports Media Guardian (free registration required).

Mr Yorke, the drama chief behind hit shows Shameless and No Angels and a former executive producer on EastEnders, will take charge of BBC1's biggest drama series, including Holby City, Casualty and EastEnders.

He will share the job of commissioning independent productions with Ms Richer, but will not have responsibility for returning drama series such as Waking the Dead and Judge John Deed, which are being merged into the in-house drama department.