ITV ties up Titchmarsh

UK broadcaster ITV has fixed golden handcuffs on popular TV horticulturalist Alan Titchmarsh until the end of next year.

The deal will see Titchmarsh, who has appeared on UK TV screens for more than 30 years, front four new seasons of The Alan Titchmarsh Show this year and next, with the Spun Gold Television show moving production to ITV’s London studios.

The deal also covers new primetime projects and a peaktime gardening and lifestyle programme, as well as a five-year brand development deal between ITV and Spun Gold to push the Titchmarsh franchise.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in broadcasting and one that I relish taking on,” Titchmarsh said. “My greatest commitment has always been to the people at home who want reliable information put over in an easily accessible manner. That couples with an opportunity to offer a trustworthy brand is a challenge I am determined to fulfil.”

In further ITV news, former Living TV Group (LTG) programmes chief Daniela Neumann has resurfaced at the terrestrial channel, where she will cover for entertainment boss Layla Smith.

Neumann left LTG earlier this year following its acquisition by BSkyB, and will now become temporary controller of entertainment at ITV while Smith is on maternity leave. Neumann reports to director of comedy and entertainment Elaine Bedell.