ITV orders Cilla Black drama

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has commissioned a three-part drama based on the life of singer-turned-TV presenter Cilla Black.

Cilla tells the story of Priscilla White’s (Black’s real name) rocky rise to fame in 1960s Liverpool. It was written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Jeff Pope, who last night picked up a Bafta for his script to Philomena.

The ITV Studios production also follows the performer’s relationship with future husband Bobby Willis and her friendships with The Beatles and legendary manager Brian Epstein.

Sheridan Smith, who won a Bafta TV award for her role in Mrs Biggs last year, stars as Black.

ITV’s director of drama Steve November and controller of drama Victoria Fea have commissioned Cilla, which goes into production in Liverpool next month. The series will be produced by Kwadjo Dajan and exec produced by Pope with Paul Whittington directing.