W summons Ultimate Matchmaker

The Ultimate Matchmaker is being produced by Ricochet

UK multi-channel broadcaster UKTV has commissioned an observational documentary series set in a dating agency for its premium entertainment channel W.

The Ultimate Matchmaker (8×60’) is being produced by Ricochet and was ordered by UKTV commissioning editor Helen Nightingale, director of commissioning Richard Watsham and genre general manager for comedy and entertainment Steve North.

The executive producer for Ricochet is Emma Walsh and the series is directed by Claire Egerton-Jones, with Sandy Watson as series producer.

The Ultimate Matchmaker is hosted by Lara Asprey and follows the staff of a dating agency in London.

W has also ordered an original series fronted by Dr Christian Jessen. Dr Christian: 12 Hours to Cure Your Street (10×60’) is produced by Firecracker Films and was commissioned by Nightingale, Watsham and North.

The series is executive produced by Federico Ruiz for Firecracker Films alongside chief creative officer Jes Wilkins, production executive Julie Scott and series producer Joe Ward.

The new format follows Jessen’s previous show Dr Christian Will See You Now and this time sees him hit the streets of the UK to deliver his service.

UKTV recently appointed its first drama commissioner and announced its first original drama, Flack.