BBC entertainment chief Lux defects to C4

The BBC received a blow to its morale yesterday when one of its top talents joined the exodus of executives for an "extremely exciting" move to Channel 4.

The departure of Danielle Lux, who as the controller of entertainment commissioning was responsible for shows such as The Weakest Link, Have I Got News For You and The Royle Family, has turned down strenuous efforts by the corporation to keep her.

The BBC saw the annual Bafta television awards dominated by Channel 4 and is struggling to fill the vacancy of head of light entertainment. Ms Lux takes over the job as head of entertainment at Channel 4, made vacant in the executive merry-go-round with Kevin Lygo's surprise departure to Channel 5 last month.

Her new job will give her responsibility for this year's Bafta award-winners, the comedians Graham Norton ­ whom the BBC tried to lure earlier this year ­ and Ali G.

Ms Lux said: "I have received enormous creative support from the BBC but I couldn't resist the opportunity to join the channel that produces some of the boldest entertainment in British television."