Heggessey out at Talkback Thames

Lorraine Heggessey is to leave her role as chief executive of UK indie producer Talkback Thames.

Chief operating officer Sarah Geater will replace Heggessey as chief executive on an interim basis at the RTL-owned production company and she will report to FremantleMedia CEO Tony Cohen.

Heggessey, who was previously BBC One controller, has caused shock in the UK TV industry and a number of people are suggesting that her exit is a precursor to a major shake up at the company, which is the second largest indie producer in the country.

Talkback Thames currently produces series including reality hit The Apprentice, The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and The IT Crowd.