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Newman returns to the channel as head of entertainment, after a two-year stint at Five where he was responsible for commissioning shows such as 'Swag', 'International Kings of Sports' and 'Monkey Magic'.

He replaces Dannielle Lux, who left soon after Kevin Lygo returned to Channel 4 in September as director of television. Lygo also spent two years at Five, where he was director of programmes.

Lygo said: "Andrew has been dogging my footsteps for the best part of half a decade and I've yet to find a way to shake him off. He clearly knows a dark secret about me that even I'm unaware of, which is how he keeps on blackmailing me to employ him."

Newman will take up his new post in January and will report directly to Lygo within the new look Channel 4 entertainment department, which has changed almost beyond recognition since Lygo was appointed.

Newman said: "If Kevin's a great man in TV -- and it's a big if -- then I'm the strong woman behind his successes, which is why he keeps on offering me jobs despite him making such a song and dance of it.

"Channel 4 is still the channel that puts the highest premium on pushing the envelope in entertainment with new talent and formats and I'm happy to be coming home to the channel which has showcased many of the programmes I'm most proud to have been involved with."

In his previous spell at Channel 4, before he followed Lygo to Five in 2001, Newman was a commissioning editor within the entertainment department responsible for 'Da Ali G Show', 'The 11 O'Clock Show', 'The Priory', 'TFI Friday', and the 'Adam and Joe Show'.

He rose to the role of head of programmes for the launch of E4 in January 2001 and commissioned many of the channel's most successful series, including 'Banzai', 'Big Brother's Little Brother' and 'Popworld'.

Before joining Channel 4 in 1998 he was a producer on shows such as Chris Morris' 'Brass Eye' and 'The 11 O'Clock Show'.

Five replaced Newman last month with Ben Frow, who was head of factual entertainment and features at Channel 4. Frow joins five in January 2004.

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