He stepped down as chairman of the theatre the following year when his tenure came to an end.

By this time the Rep was running a healthy profit, and audience figures were at their highest level for many years.

“That was his lasting legacy, I think,” said Mr Rogers. “He instilled confidence in our funders, created a new board and gave everybody the focus and encouragement to get things back on track.”

Born in Newcastle, Mr Allan first visited the Rep in his student days, when he studied philosophy at Birmingham University.

His career began as a presenter and producer in the current affairs department at ABC, which broadcast to the North and Midlands at weekends.

He moved briefly to Independent Television News before transferring to Thames Television in 1969 as a scriptwriter for Today, rising quickly to become editor of the programme, which was relaunched as Thames News.

In 1978, Mr Allan moved back to his native North-east to become programme controller and later managing director of Tyne Tees television.

He then became director of programmes at Central, where he persuaded the network, with his controller of drama, Ted Childs, to run a television series based on the crime novels of Colin Dexter.

Inspector Morse, starring John Thaw, ran from 1987 to 2000. It was sold to more than 100 countries worldwide.

As well as Morse, Mr Allan helped launched dramas such as Soldier Soldier, Peak Practice and The Cook Report.

He famously called time on Crossroads in 1988, reportedly telling his staff: “Hold the door open for the mad axe-wielding fans.”

The show had run for over 20 years, and was adored by fans.

Following the merger of Central with Carlton Television, Mr Allan spent a lot of time in Birmingham, developing Central’s regional programming.

Mr Allan took early retirement in 1998, after which he took over chairmanship of the Rep.

Mr Allan was twice divorced and is survived by both his former wives, five children and his partner, Phoebe Lambert.