LATEST COMMISSIONING NEWS
Anneka Rice to lead Flowerpot Men on BBC1
Anneka Rice is teaming up with Phil Tufnell and Joe Swift to front a BBC1 series to regenerate outdoor spaces to create community legacies.
Embarrassing Bodies apps near 400,000 downloads in one week
The new trio of Embarrassing Bodies iPhone apps have been downloaded nearly 400,000 times since the start of the new series of Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic last week.
Geordie Shore returns for fourth series
MTV has ordered a fourth series of non-scripted reality show Geordie Shore ahead of the launch of the Cancun-based third series.
Sarah Mulvey inquest re-opens
The inquest into the death of Sarah Mulvey has re-opened with the coroner reiterating that Channel 4 is not an interested party and confirming that it is not investigating any connection between the broadcaster and death of its former commissioner.
BBC's Football League Show to continue
BBC1 has breathed new life into The Football League Show after its future hung in the balance.
Sky Arts signs Daniel Radcliffe and Jon Hamm
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and Mad Men actor Jon Hamm are to appear in a new comedy drama series on Sky Arts.
Sky signs Steve Coogan deal
Alan Partridge is heading to Sky Atlantic as part of a new output deal with Steve Coogan indie Baby Cow Productions.
Best House returns with expats
ITV1’s daytime format May the Best House Win is to return for a fifth series - this time featuring British expats in Europe.
ITV1 orders fast turnaround footie ads show
ITV1 has ordered a fast turnaround 60-minute clips show celebrating the best football adverts ever made.
ITV hands reality show to Keith Lemon
ITV continues to be sweet on Keith Lemon – handing the comedy character his own reality show.
BBC docs to follow Olympians
Big-name Olympians Usain Bolt and Tom Daley and a host of up-and-coming British athletes will feature in a range of documentaries across the BBC this summer.
C4 offers female comedy writers a platform
Inbetweeners Movie actress Jessica Knappett, Phoneshop’s Emma Fryer and Edinburgh fringe newcomer winner Roisin Conaty all have comedy scripts in development with Channel 4 as part of a move to develop new female talent.
BBC probes insect world in Science US co-pro
The BBC is making a documentary investigating the miniature world of insects, uncovering the biological blueprint that enables them to survive and flourish a wide range of environments.
Parthenon wins US order for Forensic Firsts
Parthenon Entertainment has secured a commission with US broadcaster Smithsonian Channel for a new six-part series about forensic investigations.
Eddie Izzard runs to Sky1
Sky1 has fired the starting gun on a new documentary series in which comedian Eddie Izzard attempts to run 27 marathons in 27 days across South Africa.
RTE boards Rival surf series
Rival Media is to produce a reality series about teen surfers for RTE Ireland.
C4 slate to tackle social issues
Channel 4 is asking Gordon Ramsay to rehabilitate prisoners and help run a hotel staffed by talent and the young unemployed as part of a PSB-heavy slate that includes a mental health season.
Neal Street eyes Flavia de Luce as Midwife successor
Neal Street Productions hopes to follow the success of its Call the Midwife adaptation for BBC1 by creating a TV series based on the Flavia de Luce mystery novels .
Clunes and Norris to star in ITV1 murder drama
Hermione Norris and Martin Clunes are set to star in an ITV1 drama about a mother who suspects her son has committed murder.
ITV1 orders second helping of Let’s Do Lunch
ITV1 has commissioned a second series of Let’s Do Lunch…With Gino and Mel after a solid first outing last year.
Portillo boards BBC2 railway show
BBC2 is to push daytime format Great British Railway Journeys into peak as host Michael Portillo broadens his horizons to the rest of Europe.
C4 asks viewers to spot mental health patients
Channel 4 is embarking on a major programming stunt by casting people with mental health issues in some of its highest-profile series – and asking viewers whether they can spot them.
Mykura to build NGCI London hub
Hamish Mykura is creating a National Geographic Channel International commissioning hub in London in a bid to reinvent its output with a string of long-running formats.
Sky extends comedy strategy to Living and Arts
Sky Living has ordered its first ever scripted comedies as BSkyB ramps up its aggressive push in the genre across its portfolio of channels.
eOne kicks off UK push with $30m Canada co-pro
Thandie Newton is to star in an undercover cop drama that marks the first UK-Canada co-production for Entertainment One.
Sky Atlantic joins Jews on Bikes
Sky Atlantic has ordered an ob doc series following a gang of British Jewish bikers riding across the US in remembrance of the Holocaust.
Shine cooks up daytime baking show for ITV1
The indie behind MasterChef is to create a daytime baking series for ITV1 that will look to capitalise on the success of BBC2’s The Great British Bake Off.
Blast! lifts lid on 999 services
Channel 4 has revealed full details of an ambitious Blast! Films series designed to provide a comprehensive inside view of all the emergency services across a 10-week period.
Gogglebox to reveal unseen Frankie Howerd
The life and work of legendary comic Frankie Howerd will be celebrated in an intimate portrait for Channel 4 that features never-before-seen footage.
C4 orders Derek series from Ricky Gervais
Channel 4 has commissioned a full series of Ricky Gervais’ Derek, after the pilot drew more than 3 million viewers.
BBC2 orders new Milne drama
White Heat screenwriter Paula Milne is already penning her next series for BBC2, swapping late 20th century activism for contemporary power.
BBC confirms Call the Midwife Christmas special
BBC1 has commissioned a Christmas special of 1950s drama Call the Midwife.
Primeval’s Henshall turns to crime for BBC1 drama
BBC1 has ordered a new crime drama set in Scotland with Primeval’s Douglas Henshall in the lead role.
Undateables gets second outing
Channel 4 has commissioned a second series of matchmaking show The Undateables.
C4 orders 260 new Random Acts
Late night Channel 4 strand Random Acts will return for a second run of 260 short films.
YouTube unveils UK strategy
YouTube has revealed details of its UK content strategy for the first time, urging producers to pitch niche ideas and putting well in excess of £10m up for grabs.
ITV1 to tell ‘definitive’ story of Murdoch
Brook Lapping is to make a “definitive” documentary on Rupert Murdoch for ITV1 as part of a raft of high-profile factual commissions.
BBC1 facing sitcom pitch shortage
BBC1 is feeling the heat in the comedy market, with the genre head claiming competition from ITV and Sky has affected the flow of pitches.
Windfall lands Fraser case for Murder Trial
Channel 4 cameras-in-court documentary series Murder Trial (w/t) has gone into production and will feature the retrial of Nat Fraser, who is accused of killing his wife in Scotland in 1998.
Comedy Central’s Big Bad pilot leads content push
Comedy Central is preparing for a major push on original content with an order for a narrative comedy pilot from Objective Productions.
Studio Lambert remakes Israeli dating show for ITV2
Studio Lambert is to make a reality dating show for ITV2 based on a format pioneered by Israeli broadcaster Keshet Broadcasting.
Thames and Scott join forces for ITV1 sports show
FremantleMedia UK’s Thames has teamed up with Sebastian Scott-backed Superhero Television to create a sports-based talent show for ITV1.
LemonAid sparks 176 complaints over puppy prize
ITV1 entertainment show Keith Lemon’s LemonAid has attracted 176 complaints and scorn from the Kennel Club after a puppy was awarded to a child as a prize.
Sky1 to revive the Kumars
Sky1 has picked up former BBC comedy The Kumars for a refreshed version of the show after six-year hiatus.
Seeking Salvage returning to History
History has ordered a longer second series of Seeking Salvage after the first became its biggest ever original commission.
Patrick Stewart to explore animal superpowers for Nat Geo
Star Trek and X Men star Sir Patrick Stewart is to front a new series for Nat Geo that explores the incredible powers of survival harnessed by some of the world’s deadliest animals.
World’s Scariest returning to C5
Channel 5 has commissioned a second series of the World’s Scariest strand from Mentorn Media.
Alan Carr to host Jubilee and Olympics specials
Alan Carr will celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics on Channel 4 with two special programmes marking the events.
CBBC’s Dick and Dom join the circus
Kids presenters Dick and Dom are turning ringmasters for a new CBBC show – one of several new commissions for the children’s channel.
Sarah Millican returning to BBC2
BBC2 has ordered a second series of comedy chat show The Sarah Millican Television Programme.
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ITV reveals Diamond Jubilee plans
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ITV1 orders Guernsey hospital doc
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BBC2 orders menu of fresh cooking shows
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C5's Extraordinary People to profile 90% burns victim
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C5 orders more Hotel Inspector
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Idris Elba to host C4 dance doc
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BBC plans doc answer to Channel 4’s fixed rig
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Vic and Bob back on C4 as part of anniversary plans
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BBC unveils post-DQF daytime strategy
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ITV planning ‘big splash’ as it returns to comedy
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ITV1 to hand TOWIE's Mark Wright German format
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C4 picks up Fremantle daytime quiz show
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Sky confirms Idiot Abroad 3
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C4's Superscrimpers to return
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Woolcock interactive film to premiere at Doc/Fest
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Anna Maxwell Martin to star in ITV1 murder mystery
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Sky Movies: British family features lacking investment
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BBC to pilot second Talpa format
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Current Sponge wins first terrestrial order
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CBBC's Trade show to return
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Kudos to make C4 conspiracy thriller
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Attenborough to front Eden nature project
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ITV1 doc to tell story of Soham victim’s family
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Kemps to front C&I gangs doc
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ITNP searches for antiques experts in Sky Arts series
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C4 to probe zoo tragedy and female Afghan soldiers
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C4 to reconstruct 1950s house
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Sky Atlantic to mark Jubilee with 'queens'
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Sundance ties with Shine Group
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Dragonfly to follow plus size mums for C4
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Radio 1 and 1Xtra unveil new docs
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Discovery heads to Arctic for latest Wildest...
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ESPN order FA Cup "giant killers" doc
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Mary Portas to revamp UK high streets in C4 series
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BBC3 pilots "real" sketch show
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ITV confirms Stephen Fry drama
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OSF scores BBC1 first
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Bacon to front sports countdowns
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BBC gearing up for UK’s first scripted 3D project
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Hartswood makes single mother sitcom for BBC1
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ITV1 plots playalong gameshow Revolution
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BBC takes close look at science
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Queen of curries explores her legacy for Good Food
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BBC2 drama to celebrate birth of Paralympics
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Twofour sends Cumming on Sky Atlantic city tour
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C5 acquires Fear Factor 2.0
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STV to film murder sentencing
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Jennifer Saunders saddles up for ITV1 doc
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Mud Men returning to History
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Heston to “feed the 5,000” in new C4 show
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Watson & Oliver returning to BBC2
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Live in Chelsea added to 4oD
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Ken and Boris to go head to head on Sky News
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Dee gets greenlight from Sky Atlantic
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BBC2 to lift lid on the People's History
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Fox orders Take Me Out
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C5 extends Big Brother to 2014
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BBC Learning orders disability docs
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CBeebies orders new series from Waybuloo producers
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Sky Living orders Ladyboys series
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Food Network renews original series’
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6Music's Adam Buxton spins Sky Atlantic show
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C5 heads behind bars
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Rev blessed with four BPG awards
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Matt Edmondson to front BBC3 pilot
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BBC wipes out Total Wipeout
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Gold greenlights Yes, Prime Minister revival
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Touchpaper returns to supernatural for ITV2
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Sky Atlantic signs comedy duo
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DNI sets out ambitious plans
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Kindle updates Dickens for BBC1
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Sky orders karaoke dating from Love Machine indie
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C4 goes on Fox Watch for spring
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Gumball producer to lead Turner’s hybrid Team Toon
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ITV1 orders 'landmark' history series
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C4's Food Hospital to return
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Aysha Rafaele to leave C4
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C4 to unveil von Hagens' corpse crucifix at Easter
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Being Human gets fifth series
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George Gently inspects new series
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Deal or No Deal to make celebrity primetime debut
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Nutopia going back to the 80s for Nat Geo US
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True North make 'lifers' series
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Jon Snow in Paralympics pilot
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Kavanagh signs off with Download recommission
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BBC2 takes Stewart Lee to 2015
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MTV orders Welsh Valleys series
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C4's Coming Up line-up revealed
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ITV hires Moore for comedy charge
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TOWIE's Mark Wright heads to US for ITV2
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Discovery goes for adventure
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Mr and Mrs returning to ITV1
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McDonald to host 3D monarchy series for History
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Mentorn follows youngsters’ ‘big day’ for MTV
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Blakeway exec completes C4 current affairs team
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C4 to air Gervais comedy - Derek
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More4+2 to precede 4seven launch
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ITV1's DCI Banks to return
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Wide-Eyed to make Nat Geo Manhunt series
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Vorderman to host ITV1 gameshow
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BBC's Doorstep Crime to return
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Mandrake explores legal system for BBC2
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BBC2 orders Volcano Live
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Outnumbered duo writing family comedy film
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BBC pilots sci-fi comedy
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ITV1 orders Richie and O’Connor specials
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BBC4 to profile Chas and Dave
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C4 sets May deadline to revamp entertainment
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No change to Terms of Trade, Hunt hints
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ITV1 orders Morrison adaptation from Carnival Films
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Sky hires Tiger’s Sargeant for ent commissioning
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Families swap lives for Atlantic
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Jewish mums lined-up to compete on C4
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Hairy Bikers cooking UKTV debut
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C4 Education switches focus from gaming to TV
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ITV1 heads to Corfu for Brits abroad series
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C4 poaches CBBC's Kavanagh
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Red or Black? gets second spin
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STV plots Braveheart drama
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C4 to meet with Gambling Commission
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Morse prequel goes to series
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C4 orders Short History of Everything
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BBC3 orders Apprentice-style show
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Nine Lives ramping up staff after Dispatches win
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BBC3 orders Tourettes singing series
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TOWIE gets online spin-off
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C4 orders more obsessive compulsive hoarding
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Nat Geo orders Atlantic special on ancient temple
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Comedy Central seeks global series
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Scott backs Superhero indie
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C4 factual backs fresh talent
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Origin Pictures develops three shows for BBC
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Soccer Aid to return to ITV1
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BBC1 hands former Goodie primetime comedy series
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Sky1 retunes Ashley Banjo
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C4 to follow Ann Summers sex toy launch
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Lily Cole to front Sky Arts series
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The Shooting Gallery to return to C4
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Reeves to star in new BBC2 sitcom
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Playing It Straight winner jumps onto H&C TV
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Ofcom clears C4's Bouncers
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Logan to leave Live With Gabby
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ITVS developing Pineapple-style dance show
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Indies win Radio 1 contracts
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Idiot Abroad 3 in pre-production
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Tom Beck joins C4 entertainment team
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Henson in talks with BBC for puppet show
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ITV1 seeks ‘escapist’ ideas for teatime slot
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C5 orders upbeat Twofour business show
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Sky/Nat Geo serve up 3D storms
THE COMMISSIONER
Kim Shillinglaw, BBC, science and natural history
The BBC’s commissioning editor for science and natural history is investing in developing programmes that will take viewers on an unexpected journey.
BBC1
Anneka Rice to lead Flowerpot Men on BBC1
Anneka Rice is teaming up with Phil Tufnell and Joe Swift to front a BBC1 series to regenerate outdoor spaces to create community legacies.
BBC2
BBC docs to follow Olympians
Big-name Olympians Usain Bolt and Tom Daley and a host of up-and-coming British athletes will feature in a range of documentaries across the BBC this summer.
ITV1
ITV1 orders fast turnaround footie ads show
ITV1 has ordered a fast turnaround 60-minute clips show celebrating the best football adverts ever made.
CHANNEL 4
Embarrassing Bodies apps near 400,000 downloads in one week
The new trio of Embarrassing Bodies iPhone apps have been downloaded nearly 400,000 times since the start of the new series of Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic last week.
FIVE
World’s Scariest returning to C5
Channel 5 has commissioned a second series of the World’s Scariest strand from Mentorn Media.
