The government-appointed panel charged with appointing a new BBC chairman has revealed its shortlist of candidates.

Former controller of BBC1 Michael Grade has emerged as the frontrunner, while other contenders include Baroness Young, Dame Patricia Hodgson, Lord Watson and broadcaster David Dimbleby.

Gavyn Davies and Greg Dyke resigned as BBC chairman and director general respectively, following publication of the Hutton report, which severely criticised the corporation.

The government hopes to have found a replacement for Davies by Easter.