Grade could bring in BBC's first woman director-general

Jana Bennett and Mark Thompson lead the race to replace Greg Dyke

Jana Bennett, the BBC's director of television, is emerging as a surprise front-runner to head the corporation and become its first female director-general.

It is understood that Michael Grade, the flamboyant new BBC chairman whose appointment was announced last week, is keen to appoint a woman to the top job when he takes over next month.

Mr Grade's return to the BBC has been greeted with enthusiasm, and is expected to help to close a period of turmoil which saw the corporation lose its chairman and director-general after criticisms of the Hutton report into the death of Dr David Kelly, the government scientist.

With a chairman in place, the race is now on to succeed Greg Dyke as director-general. Mark Byford, the acting DG, Tony Hall, executive director of the Royal Opera House, and Jenny Abramsky, BBC director of radio, are already in contention.

The emerging favourites, though, are Mark Thompson, the Channel 4 chief executive, and Ms Bennett. Although neither has lodged applications so far, the emergence of Mr Grade as chairman is expected to bring them into the race.

Mr Thompson, 46, is popular, well regarded in the broadcasting industry and is said to have the backing of the Secretary of State for Culture, Tessa Jowell.

But the decision is not hers to make, as the director-general is appointed by the BBC board of governors.

Ms Bennett, 47, a former head of science whose BBC production credits include Walking with Dinosaurs and Back to the Floor, has recently spent two years at the US Discovery Channel.

She is popular with fellow staff and is described by one senior science producer last week as "fiercely intelligent".

She also has a tough streak. It was Ms Bennett's decision to remove Robert Kilroy-Silk from his talk show, Kilroy, after he wrote an article criticising Arabs.

Mr Grade's arrival in place of Gavyn Davies has been seen as particularly bad news for Mark Byford. The 45-year-old BBC "lifer" and former head of the World Service has been temporarily in charge since Greg Dyke resigned.

A senior BBC insider warned last week that Mr Grade would not be allowed to make the decision by himself, even if he favours Ms Bennett, and that many of his fellow governors believe that Mr Byford has done a good job. But Mr Grade's appointment has changed the landscape, with many more top-quality candidates now expected to show an interest.

Some say, perhaps mischievously, that Greg Dyke is not completely out of the frame. It is acknowledged that his departure was in part an accident, as his offer of resignation was tendered on the understanding that it would be refused. He was, of course, mistaken.

Jana Bennett

BBC director of television

Age: 47

For: Popular, intelligent, has a strong background in programme making. Also the new chairman is said to want a female director-general.

Against: Lacks experience at the top level and is yet to prove herself in her current job.

Odds: (with Ladbrokes) 5/1

Mark Thompson

Chief executive, Channel 4

Age: 46

For: Well regarded in the industry and said to have the backing of Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture. Preceded Ms Bennett as director of television.

Against: He has spent only two years at C4. Shared C4 background with Michael Grade might bring suspicion of a "Channel 4 takeover".

Odds: 6/4

Mark Byford

BBC acting director-general

Age: 45

For: Experienced, a former head of the World Service, described as a safe pair of hands. Praised by those who have worked with him.

Against: Has angered BBC staff by apologising for the Hutton affair. Is closely associated with the former, hated regime of John Birt. Looks and sounds like a head prefect.

Odds: 3/1

Jenny Abramsky

BBC director of radio

Age: 57

For: A one-time editor of the Today programme with an impressive record of news and current affairs. Being female could help her cause with Michael Grade.

Against: Has little experience of television or of performing in the limelight.

Odds: 10/1