ITV1 Spring/Summer Schedule Makes Inroads Into Shaps’ Masterplan

ITV is making further inroads into becoming a broadcaster to be proud of, according to Simon Shaps, director of television, who was unveiling the ITV1 spring/summer programme commissions in London this afternoon.

With four new commissions over different genres, Shaps stated that the broadcaster’s flagship channel would have more original and first run shows than ever before in its forthcoming schedule.

Following on from its Jane Austen season, ITV1 has commissioned a new drama with the working title Lost In Austen, which gives a modern day, time-travelling twist to Pride And Prejudice. The cast is yet to be announced.

Other significant commissions include a new daytime drama, which modernises the broadcaster’s successful Heartbeat spin-off, hospital drama The Royal. Sir Trevor McDonald will also front two news shows – a satirical show called News Knight, plus a tour of the UK’s beauty spots in Britain’s Favourite View.

Talent shows abound with the X-Factor Lite Britain’s Got Talent, with its judging panel of Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden, whilst the How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?-esque Grease Is The Word will see contestants battle it out for a place on the West End stage.

Princess Diana’s death will be the focus of Diana’s Last Day on the 10th anniversary of the People’s Princess’ passing, whilst Formula One, the UEFA Cup and the Champion’s League will be the highlights of ITV1’s sporting coverage.

Tycoon flows along the same vein as the Apprentice and Dragon’s Den whilst Hell’s Kitchen dumps Ramsay for Marco Pierre White’s return and wacky loon David Gest gets his own fly on the wall doco show.

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