Shaps moves swiftly to recommission hits

ITV director of television Simon Shaps has demonstrated his confidence in his current slate by recommissioning three big new shows.

ITV director of television Simon Shaps has demonstrated his confidence in his current slate by recommissioning three big new shows.

Sci-fi drama Primeval, sitcom Benidorm and comedy chatshow Al Murray's Happy Hour have all been greenlit for second series.

Primeval 's recommission comes just three weeks into its run. After a strong launch of 6.5 million viewers, the Impossible Pictures show has continued to attract sizeable audiences. It is currently holding a 26% share in its Saturday early evening slot.

ITV's director of network drama, Nick Elliott, said: 'We've opened up a new slot and a new family audience on Saturday night for ITV and the decision to recommission Primeval was not a tough one.'

Tiger Aspect's Benidorm, the first primetime comedy to be launched under Shaps since he became director of television, is also yet to complete its first series. It is Paul Jackson's first sitcom order since returning to ITV as director of entertainment and comedy. He said the decision was made after the fourth episode as it became clear the series could hold its own in a tough slot.

The second series of all three shows will go into production later this year.