The Department of Culture has annouced that TV executive Sir Peter Bazalgette has been appointed chairman of the Arts Council England.

Sir Peter who runs the Endemol production company behind high-profile hits including Big Brother and Deal Or No Deal is also chair of English National Opera and president of the Royal Television Society. He will serve a four-year term at the Arts Council, succeeding Dame Liz Forgan who's tenure ends on 31st January.

Arts Council England chief executive Alan Davey said: "This is an excellent appointment."

"Peter is a great philanthropic contributor to the arts; an enthusiast who has done amazing work with English National Opera and has helped the Arts Council over the years to develop our digital thinking. We look forward to working with him."