ITV1 Sets Fall Slate

LONDON: ITV1 has unveiled its programming slate for the fall, with highlights that include a new drama with Robbie Coltrane and a documentary marking the 70th anniversary of the beginning of World War II.

Announcing the upcoming schedule, Peter Fincham, the director of television, channels and online at ITV, noted: "ITV1 has enormous pulling power, as was very powerfully demonstrated by the phenomenal success of Britain’s Got Talent. It is a channel that brings people together not only in front of their televisions but also online, connecting audiences that are otherwise splintered by the multitude of choice on offer. The range of programming that we offer caters to a wide range of different tastes and this autumn is no exception. Viewers can look forward to great drama, big events, major stars, and real impact from ITV1."

On the drama front, highlights include Collision, a five-part serial created by Anthony Horowitz that tells the story of a major road accident and a group of people who have never met but who all share one single defining moment that will change their lives. Murderland, written by David Pirie, is a three-part crime thriller starring Robbie Coltrane. Other top offerings include Peter Bowker’s adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights; An Englishman In New York, in which John Hurt reprises his role as Quentin Crisp; and new seasons of Agatha Christie’s Marple, Blue Murder, Doc Martin and The Fixer. “This season once more underlines ITV’s commitment to U.K. produced, quality drama with a powerful blend of programming as well as an unrivalled slate of big name stars," Fincham said.

The entertainment slate is led by season six of The X Factor, the returning I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!; and The Cube, a brand-new game show hosted by Phillip Schofield. The schedule also features Duchess On The Estate, in which Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, sets out to help communities; and the talk show Piers Morgan’s Life Stories.

ITV1’s factual programming lineup features Joanna Lumley: Catwoman, Robson Green’s Wild Swimming Adventure, John Sergeant on the Tourist Trail, Alan Titchmarsh’s The Seasons and Outbreak, a documentary to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. “Our entertainment slate boasts some blockbuster events and in factual we will be joining a host of television’s top talent as they embark on some fascinating journeys," Fincham said. “This autumn, ITV1 has something for everyone.”