Lorraine Heggessey leaves Talkback Thames

Lorraine Heggessey is leaving her post as chief executive of Talkback Thames, the producer of the Britain's Got Talent and The Apprentice, after five years. Sara Geater, the company's chief operating officer, is to take over as interim chief executive. Like Heggessey, Geater will report to Tony Cohen, chief executive of Fremantle Media, the production, distribution and rights arm of RTL, which is Talkback Thames's parent company. Heggessey, a former controller of BBC1, moved to Talkback Thames five years ago this month in a job swap with Peter Fincham. Now director of television, channels and online at ITV, Fincham had already announced his intention to step down at Talkback Thames, and later replaced her at BBC1. During her tenure at Talkback Thames Heggessey oversaw one of the UK's biggest independent production businesses, responsible for shows including The Apprentice, Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor. However, Talkback was hit recently by ITV's decision to cancel long-running police series The Bill . It is not yet known what Heggessey will do next. A spokeswoman for Talkback Thames said: "We can confirm that Lorraine Heggessey is stepping down as the chief executive of Talkback Thames. Sara Geater will now take over as interim chief executive for Talkback Thames reporting into Tony Cohen. No further comment at this time." Heggessey's TV career began in 1979 as a BBC News trainee. Highlights include working for Channel 4 show Hard News, editing the science series QED, being a producer on Panorama, and posts as head of BBC Children's and director of BBC factual and learning. She also famously turned the tables on Roger Cook by doorstepping him. During her time as BBC1 controller – the first female in the role – the channel successfully revived Doctor Who, introduced Strictly Come Dancing and moved its late news bulletin to 10pm, opening the way for 9pm drama hits including Spooks, Cutting It and Hustle. At Talkback she tried to expand the company into drama and comedy, particularly with joint ventures with Father Ted writer Graham Linehan and actor Trevor Eve. Talkback is one of the jewels in crown of Fremantle Media, part of RTL, which also owns Channel Five. There has been speculation recently that Talkback could be packaged in with any deal to sell Five. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".