Amanda Holden and John Bishop join ‘W’ channel

Amanda Holden and John Bishop are to host programmes for UKTV’s ‘W’ channel, the shows are due to air later this year.

“These fantastic series demonstrate our ambition for W, both in terms of the extraordinary level of talent that we’re delighted to be working with, and also the breadth and originality of the programmes themselves. These are two very different, very exciting propositions but together they should start to create a coherent and consistent tone of voice for W’s smart female audience.” – UKTV director of commissioning, Richard Watsham

John Bishop: In Conversation With… will showcase John’s unique approach to interviews and cast the comedian in a whole new light. Each week, John will be joined by a household name to discover the person behind the public persona in a ten part series of intimate and revealing one-on-one interviews.

Amanda Holden will front brand new six part reality format, I’ve Got Something To Tell You. Filmed in an English country retreat, the programme features ordinary people making extraordinary confessions over dinner, drinks or a simple cup of coffee. Watching from the sidelines, Amanda Holden offers support as friends, partners and relations break life-changing news to loved ones before the cameras. From emotional outpourings to hilarious admissions, this UKTV Original will take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster.

“We want W to be the home of smart escapism, with UKTV Originals sitting alongside our top shows like EastEnders. Adding gems like I’ve Got Something To Tell You and John Bishop: In Conversation With… is helping to build a strong channel with shows that our viewers will love. We are really excited to welcome John Bishop and Amanda Holden to the W family and we look forward to seeing the new shows uncover some of Britain’s best stories and secrets.” – Steve North, W’s general manager

The continued investment in original commissions follows the launch of W last month. An evolution of general entertainment channel Watch, W caters for 30 to 39-year-old women and their loved ones, with whom they share a love of smart entertainment.

The channel’s daily reach is up 9% and has already seen success in attracting its target audience with an 11% increase of 30-39-year-old women tuning into W. The launch included authored documentary series ON, led by Sara Cox, Grace Dent and Sophie Ellis-Bextor and the narrative repeat of BBC One’s EastEnders.