Helen Warner steps down as Head of Daytime, Channel 4

Helen Warner

Helen Warner is to step down from Channel 4 after five years at the broadcaster to concentrate on her writing career. 

As Head of Daytime Warner commissioned Jamie's 30 Minute Meals, Four in a Bed, Live Deal or No Deal as well as new formats Phil Spencer: Secret Agent, The Renovation Game and Drop Down Menu.

Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt said: "Helen has done a great job in daytime. Her many successes include reviving Coach Trip and turning it into a huge daytime hit and overseeing the launch of Come Dine with Me into the peak time schedule. "

Warner joined Channel 4 as Daytime Editor in January 2007, becoming Head of Daytime in September of the same year. During that time she has been responsible for creating and maintaining a distinctive and strong daytime line up. Following the success of her first novel, RSVP, which was published in March this year, Helen has secured a new three book deal with Simon & Schuster. Her second novel, IOU, is out in March 2012.

Helen Warner said, "I will be sad to leave Channel 4 but having secured a wonderful new three book deal, this is quite literally the start of an exciting new chapter of my life."