ITV

ITV has commissioned new crime drama The Yorkshire Ripper

The true crime drama, written by George Kay, will uncover the shocking cat and mouse hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, also known as The Yorkshire Ripper, which was one of the biggest manhunts in British history.

The hunt for the Sutcliffe took place between October 1975 and January 1981, involving thousands of police officers and forever changed the British police force.

The six-part series is based on the book Wicked Beyond Belief: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper by Michael Bilton and is produced by New Pictures.

Children’s TV show HOW returns with new presenters Vick Hope, Sam Homewood and Frankie Vu

The new series has taken the classic show and adapted it for a new digital generation aimed at the 6-10-year-old age group.

TV and radio presenter Vick Hope has made a name for herself as a backstage presenter for X Factor in 2019 and is a former Capital Breakfast presenter, she has also presented Crufts, The Voice UK, Trending Live and FYI Daily. Hope was also a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and is also a published author and journalist.

ITV commissions new drama Riches

Riches follows the life and business of the wealthy Richards family, with father Stephen Richards at the helm of a multi-million pound cosmetics empire.

After 20 years of success, Stephen’s reaping the rewards of his business acumen. In his eyes, “no one who knows anything about black women and their commitment to looking good would think there’s anything high risk about my ambitions.”

ITV commissions new drama No Return starring Sheridan Smith

(credit: Andy hughes)

The four-part series has been written by RTS-Award winning writer Danny Brocklehurst (Brassic).

No Return follows Kathy (Smith) and Martin who are enjoying a blissful holiday in Turkey with their son Noah and younger daughter Jess. Unbeknownst to the family, a horrific ordeal is about to tear their worlds apart.

ITV CEO Carolyn McCall: “If you don’t have prominence your content will not be found in this new digital world"

The Chief Executive of ITV said that the coronavirus epidemic had “brought home to a lot of people” the importance of having “a trusted [TV] source, [with no] disinformation”. 

But she warned: “A lot of the stuff that goes on air would not be made if it wasn’t for the fact that there are public service broadcasters.”

McCall called for public service broadcasting, which is currently being reviewed by both media regulator Ofcom and the DCMS committee, to be treated fairly.

New coach to join The Voice UK for new series

Replacing Meghan Trainor, global singer-songwriter Anne-Marie will take her place alongside returning coaches Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and Olly Murs.

Anne-Marie became the highest-selling debut artist of 2018 with her debut album Speak Your Mind. The BRIT Award nominee is currently working on her follow-up.

Anne-Marie said: “I am SO excited to join Sir Tom, will.i.am and Olly as the new coach on The Voice UK. I can’t wait to work with incredible undiscovered talent! Wahoooooo!”

Joanne Froggatt to star in new psychological thriller Angela Black

The Hitchcockian style thriller sees Joanne Froggatt play suburban London housewife Angela Black, who on the surface seems to have the perfect life.

Angela's life revolves around volunteering at a dogs home, caring for her two angelic sons and a marriage to a charismatic and hard-working husband Oliver (Michiel Huisman).

However, this perfect life is a lie, as Angela is a victim of domestic abuse and feels trapped in a situation she can’t escape.