His experience and reputation put him in the running for several top jobs - including head of the BBC News Channel and controller of Radio 4.

BBC: Profile: Peter Rippon

As I understand it, the senior editorial figure who signed off the broadcast, Adrian Van Klaveren, will today return to his job as controller of BBC Radio 5 Live.

BBC: Boaden and Mitchell to stand aside

Speaking later on Thursday, BBC News channel controller Kevin Bakhurst told Radio 5 live the move was part of "an ongoing review of the presenter line-up we have across BBC News".

BBC: seeks older female newsreader