Red Planet Pictures, the independent production company set up by Tony Jordan which has been behind such dramas as Death In Paradise and The Ark, is making a move into factual with the launch of a non-scripted division. Said division will be led by newly appointed Creative Director Simon Raikes. 
ITV has given the greenlight to Victoria, an 8 episode drama series about Queen Victoria from Daisy Goodwin and Poldark & Endeavour indie Mammoth Screen. Casting is currently underway, with production set to commence this September. 
After pro-longed negotiations, Jude Law has officially been set as the lead in The Young Pope, Paolo Sorrentino's 8 episode miniseries about the first American Pope. US premium cable network HBO has also boarded the project and will co-produce alongside Sky and Canal+. Sky Atlantic will air the series in the UK. 
ABC Family's Shadowhunters series has found its villain. Alan Van Sprang has boarded the series in the recurring role of Valentine, a mysterious Shadowhunter wielding immense power who, on his path to seek out what he wants, will execute anyone in his way, never thinking twice about it. 
BBC Three has renewed off-beat comedy Cuckoo for a third season, the BBC announced today. Six episodes have been ordered for the show's third season, which is set to air in 2016. Twilight star Taylor Lautner is returning to reprise his role as series lead Dale, while other returning cast members include Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale, Tyger Drew Honey, Esther Smith and Matt Lacey.