ITV has ordered Barging Around Britain, an 8 episode travelogue which follows John Sergeant as he explores Britain’s Canals.
Barging Around Britain With John Sergeant follows the UK broadcaster as he looks into the history of eight of Britain’s canals, with each episode featuring a different canal.
The travelogue was commissioned by ITV’s Controller of Factual Richard Klein and is being produced by Alaska TV. The executive producer is Paul Sommers. Production begins this Summer for a late 2014 premiere.
“Britain’s canal network is a true national treasure, full of great characters and rich in history”, said ITV’s Factual Commissioning Editor Andrew O’Connell, who will oversee the series. “While winding his way across the UK John will uncover the secrets of the waterways making this a real treat for the ITV audience. As they say, there’s nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats, and what better way to do it than on an English narrowboat”
Barging Around Britain With John Sergeant marks the latest commission for Alaska TV. The indie has previously been commissioned to produce The Proposers for Lifetime UK, Blinging Up Baby for Channel 5 and Oyster Empire for TV3. “John has huge warmth, massive broad appeal and is enthusiastic about the subject”, said Ian Lamarra, Creative Director of Alaska TV.
