UKTV OKs scripted comedies

UK multi-channel operator UKTV has greenlit three scripted comedy titles as it continues to bolster original commissions on its Gold channel.

Henry IX (3×30’) will be a single-camera series set in the fictitious contemporary court of Henry IX, king of the UK.

Penned by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the series is coproduced by FremantleMedia UK-owned Retort and Serious Comedy. Executive producers are Jon Rolph and Tarquin Gotch.

Meanwhile, single-camera sitcom Marley’s Ghosts (3×30’) follows a woman who can talk to the dead, which includes both her husband and her lover.

The show has been written by Daniel Peacock and will be produced by John Stanley Productions, part of All3Media Group. Layla Smith exec produces.

Also on the slate is studio comedy Bull (3×30’), which follows a man who attempts to run an antiques shop while being aided and hampered in equal measure by his dysfunctional staff.

Gareth Gwynn and John-Luke Roberts have penned the project, which is again produced by John Stanley Productions and exec produced by Layla Smith.

Each commission goes into production during spring and summer for broadcast in late 2015 and early 2016.

A second raft of titles will follow in early summer.