Stuart Murphy, the head of digital TV channel BBC Choice, has been confirmed as the first controller for BBC Three, the corporation's digital channel for young people.

BBC Three is due to launch in February 2003, replacing BBC Choice, which is aimed at the 25-34 age group.

Jana Bennett, the BBC's Director of Television, said: "We are all really excited about the fresh and contemporary channel he is launching next year.

"It will bring the best public service values to a younger generation and offer something very different from other digital channels."

Born in 1972, Mr Murphy was the youngest controller in BBC history when he was made BBC Choice chief in 1999.

Johnny Vaughan's chat show is to feature on BBC Three

He has worked in the television industry for just nine years.

BBC Three was originally rejected by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, in September 2001 because the corporation's plans for the new service were not "distinctive" enough.

The BBC had to rethink the channel and submitted an application again earlier this year - the government gave the plans the green light in September.

But Ms Jowell said the channel would have to keep to some of "toughest conditions ever issued".

Part of its remit is that 90% of its programming has to come from the UK or Europe.

Chat show

It is also forbidden from competing with BBC One or BBC Two.

Unlike BBC Choice, it will not be able to show too many repeats from the two terrestrial channels.

Its schedule will have to include drama, entertainment, news, current affairs, education, music, the arts, science and international current affairs.

A chat show hosted by former Big Breakfast host Johnny Vaughan will be amongst BBC Three's programmes.

Mr Murphy has also commissioned a series featuring Charlie Higson's Swiss Toni character from the BBC sketch comedy The Fast Show.