Prince Philip heads ITV1 summer lineup

chris

Almost a year after the BBC held a press launch for its infamous "Crowngate" documentary about the Queen, ITV1 is to air a year in the life of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Cameras have been following the Duke around the world for the last 12 months for the landmark documentary series, provisionally titled HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

The two-part documentary also features never-before-seen footage filmed by the Duke himself, plus him giving a tour of the Sandringham private estate to Sir Trevor McDonald.

During the programmes, there will be interviews with Sir David Attenborough and broadcaster and journalist Andrew Neil, as they reflect on the Duke's 60 years as consort to the Queen.

Made by independent producer Indigo Television, who also made The Prince of Wales: Up Close for ITV two years ago, the documentary is one of the crown jewels in ITV1's forthcoming spring and summer season.

Unveiled today via a press release, rather than a traditional launch event, the ITV1 spring and summer line-up focuses heavily on drama and entertainment.

Highlights include new Harley Street drama Tender Loving Care, starring Suranne Jones and Paul Nicholls, plus US import Pushing Daisies, starring Anna Friel.

In contrast to the winter 2008 ITV1 spree of new contemporary dramas, in the spring a host of long-running drama favourites will return, including Midsomer Murders and Foyle's War.

In entertainment, Vernon Kay will front a new series called Beat the Star, in which members of the public will compete against a celebrity.

Also on the way is singing talent show Fever Pitch, in which members of the audience compete against each other; plus Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield hosting All Star Mr and Mrs.

The ghost of Spitting Image is revisited in animated satirical topical show Headcases.

Chef Marco Pierre White will head out on the road to shoot, fish and forage for his own food in Marco Pierre White's Great British Feast.

ITV1 has also commissioned Martin Clunes to explore the history of dogs in Martin Clunes: A Man and his Dogs; and Griff Rhys Jones will spend a day in the life of Paris, London and New York in Griff Rhys Jones: Greatest Cities of the World.

The network will also court controversy with a look at the taboo subject of incest in Brothers and Sisters in Love.

Returning shows include the second series of hit reality entertainment show, Britain's Got Talent.

Unveiling his final season of programmes as ITV's director of television before he is replaced by ex-BBC1 controller Peter Fincham, Simon Shaps said: "The upcoming season on ITV1 sees a stellar line up of thought-provoking factual programming in addition to ITV1's proven mix of big event entertainment and quality drama.

"This schedule continues to reflect our commitment to broadening the depth and breadth of programming for the ITV1 audience."