Alan Yentob’s final on-camera appearance, following his recent passing, airs Sunday night on BBC Two, in a primetime tribute anchored by When Alan Yentob Met Jenny Saville, a rare conversation with one of Britain’s most elusive contemporary artists.
Filmed in Vienna ahead of dual exhibitions of her work, the one-hour special sees Saville—renowned for her visceral large-scale portraits and ties to the Young British Artists movement—open the doors of her studio to cameras for the first time in nearly three decades. Yentob, who first met Saville when she was in her twenties, returns to familiar ground with a characteristically intimate and intellectually engaged interview.
The broadcast forms the centrepiece of a night celebrating Yentob’s legacy at the BBC, spanning decades of high-profile cultural programming. Alongside the new film, the 9.15 PM lineup includes curated repeats from the imagine… archive, including specials on Mel Brooks, David Bowie and Ella Fitzgerald.
As the long-time creative director and former controller of BBC One, Yentob’s influence on the public broadcaster’s arts coverage is difficult to overstate. From Arena to imagine…, his style helped shape the tone and ambition of the BBC’s cultural output across generations. Suzy Klein, Head of Arts and Classical Music TV, hailed him as “a titan of arts broadcasting.”
The Saville interview reflects the kind of access and trust Yentob uniquely commanded. Her decision to participate—despite years of declining televised interviews—signals both personal regard and institutional respect. For BBC Arts, it’s a strategic moment to spotlight its continued relevance in the national conversation, even as newer platforms pivot away from long-form arts programming.
Expect a ratings bump among arts viewers, particularly with the program’s dual availability on BBC Two and iPlayer. Positioned against ongoing cuts and reshuffles in arts commissioning, the tribute may also serve as a quiet reminder of what public service broadcasting still offers at its best.
When Alan Yentob Met Jenny Saville aired Sunday, 9 June at 9:15 PM on BBC Two and is available now on iPlayer as part of the Alan Yentob tribute night.
