Throng

ITV1 has unveiled its Autumn 2009 season of programming, featuring a broad range of original content with brand new first-run drama, contemporary authored factual series, the return of some of the UK’s biggest entertainment shows, as well as live football, including England’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Peter Fincham, Director of Television, Channels and Online, said:

"ITV1 has enormous pulling power, as was very powerfully demonstrated by the phenomenal success of Britain's Got Talent.  It is a channel that brings people together not only in front of their televisions but also online, connecting audiences that are otherwise splintered by the multitude of choice on offer.

"The range of programming that we offer caters to a wide range of different tastes and this Autumn is no exception.  Viewers can look forward to great drama, big events, major stars, and real impact from ITV1.

“This season once more underlines ITV’s commitment to UK produced, quality drama with a powerful blend of programming as well as an unrivalled slate of big name stars; I'm personally delighted that Robbie Coltrane is returning to ITV in Murderland.

“Our entertainment slate boasts some blockbuster events and in factual we will be joining a host of television’s top talent as they embark on some fascinating journeys.

“This Autumn, ITV1 has something for everyone.”

Highlights of the season include new dramas Collision, a compelling new five-part drama serial created by Anthony Horowitz which tells the story of a major road accident and a group of people who have never met but who all share one single defining moment that will change their lives; Murderland, written by David Pirie, a three-part thriller starring Robbie Coltrane as Detective Douglas Hain; acclaimed writer Peter Bowker’s adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights; An Englishman In New York, in which John Hurt reprises his iconic role as Quentin Crisp; as well new series of favourites such as Agatha Christie’s Marple, Blue Murder, Doc Martin, and The Fixer.

In entertainment, after a fifth series in 2008 that was the most successful yet with a record breaking average of 10 million watching across the entire run, The X Factor returns to ITV1 to begin the search for the next singing superstar; a new group of celebrities enter the Australian jungle as Ant and Dec return to host I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!; and in a brand new game show hosted by Phillip Schofield, contestants face nerve-racking tests of skill, strategy and determination within The Cube in order to win £250,000.

Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, sets out to help communities raise standards and ambitions in Duchess On The Estate.  And, in Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, the former national newspaper editor turned TV presenter returns to grill a new set of celebrity guests.  There’s also the return of acclaimed comedy, Benidorm, with a new hour-long format; and the return of the BAFTA award winning Harry Hill’s TV Burp.

In factual, some famous faces author new series, travelling the across the UK - and the world - to explore a diverse range of subjects which are close to their hearts.

Animal lover Joanna Lumley turns cat detective to investigate the unique relationship we have with our number one pet in Joanna Lumley: Catwoman whilst in Robson Green’s Wild Swimming Adventure (Working Title) the actor embraces the growing trend for outdoor swimming as he goes on a challenging tour of Britain’s waters.

In John Sergeant on the Tourist Trail, the former newsman returns to his roots as a tour guide and embarks on a celebratory journey around Britain, taking in our most famous tourist sites plus destinations not found in mainstream guidebooks and Alan Titchmarsh takes an in-depth look at how influential The Seasons are on everyday life in Britain.

In other factual programming, Outbreak - a landmark documentary to mark the 70th anniversary of World War Two - uses the words of those who were there and footage from the time to tell the story, hour by hour, of 3rd September 1939, the day that Britain declared war on Nazi Germany.

In sport, ITV1 will be live at Wembley on September 9th for England’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia and then against Belarus on October 14th.  Just one game stands between Fabio Capello’s team and South Africa next year.  ITV1 also begins a new contract for the UEFA Champions League which, with hopes high once again for British success in the competition, will see the channel broadcast the pick of Wednesday night’s games; and the world’s most historic club competition, The FA Cup, begins with the pick of the 1st and 2nd rounds live on ITV1 this autumn.