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Dyke began his broadcasting career in in 1977 at London Weekend Television. But it was after joining the then ailing TV-am in 1983 that he forged his reputation as a man undaunted by the need for radical change and fearless in battles with other big personalities.

With viewing figures plummeting, Mr Dyke, as editor-in-chief, brought Roland Rat to TV-am, a move widely derided at the time as a rare instance of a rat joining a sinking ship.

But Mr Dyke's vision revitalised the output, ditching the so-called "famous five" presenters, and boosting ratings from 250,000 to 1.5 million.

He returned to LWT in 1987 as Director of Programmes, becoming Managing Director in 1990. From 1991 to 1994 he was LWT's Group Chief Executive. The company he had joined as a researcher all those years before made him £7 million richer in share options when he and Christopher Bland lost a hostile takeover bid by Granada in 1994.

He was then head of Pearson TV, famous for producing, among other programmes, Neighbours and The Bill. He has also had involvement with BSkyB, Channel 4 and ITN.

As a non-executive director of Manchester United, Mr Dyke was the only board member to passionately oppose Rupert Murdoch's unsuccessful bid for the club.

While at Pearson, he was appointed to chair a committee looking at the NHS, reviewing the Patients' Charter. But other committee members were reportedly angry with his unwillingness to consult them when writing the report.

Before taking the Director-general's post at the BBC, he had complained about traditional broadcasters being too stuck in what he has branded "their elitist ways".

And after taking over he conducted a full-scale shake-up of the Corporation's structure, making enemies - as well as winning admirers - within the BBC.

Among his major initiatives have been a whole-hearted commitment to building a universal digital service through Freeview, and moves to make the BBC's workforce and output more culturally diverse.

It was when Mr Dyke was at the University of York - of which he is now Chancellor-elect - that he met his wife Christine. The marriage lasted only seven years before ending in divorce. Since 1983 he has lived with his partner, Sue Howes – a schoolteacher.

There are four children, two from Ms Howes's earlier marriage and two from their own relationship.

Mr Dyke's recreational interests include sport, particularly football, riding and skiing, as well as the cinema and theatre.

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