Alan Yentob has stepped down as BBC creative director, saying that his role at failed charity Kids Company was a “serious distraction”.

Mr Yentob, who was chairman of trustees at the charity, has faced scrutiny over his role as well as claims he tried to influence coverage at the corporation of its troubles.

He has always insisted there was no conflict of interest in his decision to call Newsnight about its investigation into Kids Company and had not ”abused my position at the BBC”.

In a statement, he said: “The BBC is going through particularly challenging times and I have come to believe that the speculation about Kids Company and the media coverage revolving around my role is proving a serious distraction.”

The charity folded on August 5th this year, just six days after receiving a £3 million grant in a final bid to keep it afloat. – PA