Murphy joins Sky One

Stuart Murphy, former controller of BBC Three, has been appointed as Richard Woolfe’s successor as director of programming at Sky One.

MediaGuardian are reporting that Stuart Murphy has been appointed as director of programmes at Sky One. Murphy replaces outgoing director Richard Woolfe who is leaving Sky One to head up Channel Five. Murphy was an earlier contender for the role but ruled himself out as he was under contract to independent producer Twofour, who make Noels HQ for Sky One, but MediaGuardian reports that the digital broadcaster has managed to secure Murphy anyway.

Murphy beat competition for the role from the likes of Alison Sharman, ITV’s director of factual and daytime, and Helen Jones of MTV. Murphy was formerly controller of BBC Three and its predecessor BBC Choice. During his time as controller of BBC Three he was responsible for hit shows such as Little Britain, Torchwood and The Mighty Boosh. Murphy is expected to take up his post in May which is also when Woolfe will take up his post at Five.