Andrew Macbean, CEO of UK-based TV programming distributor Itel, is resigning from the company. It is understood that he plans to go to drama school.

His exit appears to have been prompted by the proposed merger between Itel's parent company United News & Media and Carlton Communications, which has its own programming distribution arm Carlton International. However UK TV watchdog, the Independent Television Commission, has ruled the merger will breach current policy and legislation.

Macbean's is the second high-level resignation this week, following Tom Illsey's decision to resign from his position as CEO of UK cable operator Telewest following the company's £9bn merger with Flextech.