'I’ve never seen Tony Hall as aggressive'

Culture, Media and Sport Secretary John Whittingdale is to publish a green paper expected to propose a much smaller BBC.

Among the ideas expected to be unveiled is a call for the corporation to stop making some popular television programmes, focusing instead on its public service remit.

The BBC had come out fighting ahead of the consultation, said media consultant Steve Hewlett.

"I’ve never seen [BBC Director General] Tony Hall as aggressive as he’s been this week," said Mr Hewlett, who presents The Media Show on BBC Radio 4.

A balance needed to be struck, as the BBC had a crucial role in the ecology of the UK's programme making, he added.

"Would the private sector have made Bake Off? Would the private sector have made Strictly Come Dancing?”

"You might not like [BBC's] The Voice, but I can tell you [ITV's] The X Factor is better as a result."