Channel 5 was criticised for Keith Chegwin's Naked Jungle

"I simply want to make good programmes, and by doing that, good people will come and watch them," he told the Telegraph.

"Channel 5's been like this screaming child in the corner of the room. Anything to get attention. This is phase two. It's about maturing.

"In some ways, what I'd like for Channel 5 is Channel 4 without the boring bits and ITV without the garbage."

During his three years at Channel 4 he was also controller of the new digital entertainment channel E4, which he launched earlier this year.

"This is a marvellous opportunity for me," he said. "I am leaving Channel 4 at a high point and I am very excited by this chance to be a part of the growing success story that is Channel 5."

Lygo commissioned Da Ali G Show

But Channel 5 will not move completely away from its old image as its Thursday schedule, which includes programmes with sexual content, will continue.

Mr Lygo's predecessor Dawn Airey was recently promoted to the post of director of programming.

Mr Lygo began his career writing for comedies including Not the Nine O'Clock News and The Two Ronnies before becoming head of development for BBC Entertainment.

While there, he launched They Think It's All Over and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

He also commissioned Men Behaving Badly, Victoria Wood and This Is Your Life.