Channel 5 bolsters factual slate with new Merton, Portillo, Ayres series

Michael Portillo walking The Pyrenees

ViacomCBS-owned UK terrestrial Channel 5 has bolstered its factual output with three new series commissions.

Motorhoming with Merton & Webster will see Paul Merton and Suki Webster set off on the road to take in the British outdoors.

The 6×60’ series is being coproduced by Curve Media and Motion Content Group with Sarah Swingler executive producing for the former and Martin Oxley for the latter.

Curve and Motion Content are also behind The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo (working title) which will see the former Conservative politician-turned travelogue presenter embark on a 270-mile trek across the mountain range that divides France and Spain.

The 4×60’ series will be exec produced by Claire Simpson at Curve Media and Oxley once again fills the role for Motion.

Finally, The Cotswolds and Beyond with Pam Ayres (working title) is being produced by True North and takes the poet and national treasure around the picturesque corner of Britain to sample the restaurants and local traditions.

The series was commissioned by Lucy Willis commissioning editor, non-scripted UK originals, for Channel 5 and Paramount+ and will be exec produced by True North creative director Christian Hills.