IF you’ve been missing Cold Feet, then tune in to the next series of DNA Journey – because half the comedy drama’s main cast will be appearing on it.
James Nesbitt, Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris will all be delving into their family histories on the ITV genealogy show.
They join an all-star line-up which also includes I’m A Celebrity campmates Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes, Royle Family legends Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston, as well as comedians Jo Brand and Julian Clary.
There’s also Industry actress Sarah Paris, who is paired up with James, and Life On Mars favourites John Simm and Philip Glenister who I exclusively revealed in February were doing the show.
A TV insider said: “This is arguably one of the most sensational line-ups that DNA Journey has had in its five-year history.
“The producers have been particularly shrewd in the partnerships they’ve formed, bringing together some of the most popular figures from comedy, drama and daytime TV. Cold Feet fans going cold turkey since the last series are likely to be the most thrilled by the line-up.
“But rival producers on the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? are likely to be less pleased.”
On DNA Journeys, the celebrity participants follow the trail of information around the globe.
The upcoming series will take the six pairs of famous faces on trips that include Canada, France, Jamaica and closer to home, London.
Producers have promised they will deliver some incredible stories based on “solid research, world-class science and a little bit of good luck”.
Filming of the show has already completed, with John and Philip already being spotted with a film crew on Maldon High Street in Essex several months ago.
The programme is expected to air later this year.
C4 TAKES ON BULLY DEBATE
CHANNEL 4 is making a documentary looking at the troubling issue of XL Bully dogs – but in true style it will take a different perspective on the subject.
The hour-long show, My XL Bully: The Fight For Britain’s Underdog, will look at why so many people love the breed so much.
That is despite the fact they have a reputation for being incredibly dangerous and have recently been banned by law.
Since February 1 this year it has been illegal to own an XL Bully unless the dog is exempted.
The new programme was made by Blast Films which has a history of making gritty factual shows for Channel 4 and Netflix – including many focusing on animals.
THAT’S A HULLUVA SHAME
IT’S not often a UK comedy cracks America – never mind a quirky Channel 4 offering without a big-name cast.
So everyone was chuffed when Hullraisers not only made it to series two, but was also picked up by IFC, a sister channel to US giant Bravo.
But I can reveal that the gang won’t be reunited for a third series, with a source saying the show is “two and done”.
Set in the East Yorkshire city of Kingston upon Hull, the saga followed the lives of struggling actress and mother Toni (Leah Brotherhead), her sister Paula (Sinead Matthews) and sister-in-law Rana (Taj Atwal).
Creator Lucy Beaumont said of the show: “I’m really proud of it because there are a lot of production companies that are very London-centric.”
She added: “We see so few authentic working-class representations, especially in comedy.”
Channel 4 confirmed the series won’t be back, saying “we’re incredibly proud of Hullraisers and all it’s achieved, in particular, the show championed regional voices both on and off screen and was widely praised for its celebration of Hull and its authentic representation of Northern working-class women.
“As part of our Fast Forward strategy, we’re focused on giving Channel 4 viewers the best range of programming, innovating with new shows and driving our streaming growth. That means we have to think really carefully about which shows to return, rest, or conclude.
“We’d like to thank Fable Pictures, the wonderful cast and all those involved in the show’s success over the years and we look forward to working with them again on future projects.”