BBC Wales has extended is search for a new director after the first round of interviews failed to deliver a successful candidate to replace Menna Richards.

Richards is expected to announced her departure at the end of this month but BBC Wales has no successor ready, despite having been alerted in November.

She leaves to take up a non-executive post with Welsh Water, Glas Cymru.

A BBC spokesperson said: “As a matter of policy we don't discuss the individual recruitment of staff. In light of the importance of this high-profile appointment it is clearly essential that the right person is appointed.”

They added: “A number of strong candidates applied for the post and as we were unable to make an appointment we have extended the selection process.

“The requirements for the role remain unchanged and we are currently finalising the approach we will take as part of this process.”

Keith Jones, head of Welsh and interactive programmes is currently working as interim director, and was thought to be in a good position to hold onto the role permanently.