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Richard Deverell, Controller, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Children's, today announces the appointment of Steven Andrew as Head of Drama and Acquisitions for CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. He will start in early January 2009.

Steven is currently a freelance exec and was previously at ITV, where he was Programme Director of ITV Digital Channels responsible for creating and managing the editorial strategy for all ITV's digital channels.

Steven will replace Jon East, who is executive producing and directing the brand new CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ drama, Bo And The Spirit World.

In his new role, Steven will oversee the development and production of all in-house CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Drama and will also be responsible for all CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ acquisitions.

Richard Deverell says: "This is a fantastic appointment for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Children's.

"To attract someone with Steven's track record to head CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Drama and Acquisitions is a testament to the department's reputation and it demonstrates that we are committed to appointing the very best talent prior to the move to MediaCityUK in 2011."

Steven says: "I am delighted to be joining the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and its Children's department.

"It's a huge privilege and I look forward to continuing and leading a department whose track record in drama is second to none."

As Programme Director at ITV Digital Channels, Steven also managed the commissioning, scheduling, acquisition and development teams.

Prior to that, Steven was Controller, off peak, ITV and Controller of CiTV, where he was responsible for developing and producing over 200 hours of original children's programming.

Before joining ITV, Steven spent 24 years at the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, where his production credits included iconic CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ programming such as Blue Peter, Going Live, Jackanory and Grange Hill.

TM2