ITVBe has ordered two new doc series from Daisybeck Studios and Flicker Productions.
Giovanna Fletcher: Made In Italy (6×60) from Daisybeck is billed as “a warm, fun and entertaining series that sees Giovanna Fletcher combine her two biggest passions; family and food.”
Harking back to her Italian heritage, the values of family and good food have been passed on to Giovanna via dad Mario and her beloved “Nonna”. Spending childhood Summers together in Campania (South Italy), a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Amalfi Coast and street food capital, Naples. Now Giovanna is heading back there with Dad “Big” Mario, big sister Giorgina and younger brother “Little” Mario, to discover more about her Italy; from the way of life and the history, to most importantly, the food. As the series progresses, the family journey from the mountains of Campania, to uncover the history of pasta; jump on a boat to witness the breathtaking Amalfi coast for Limoncello and cocktails; and sample some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the World. Learning the tricks of the trades first hand; from farming and mozzarella making, to foraging for famous mushrooms, while recounting fun tales of childhood escapades, holiday romances and many many family members called Mario. With eye-watering scenery at every turn, and mouthwatering food throughout (and a glass of homemade wine never too far away!) Giovanna takes us along for the ride on a beautiful Italian escape that encompasses travel, history, food and family.
Amanda Stavri, ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality said: “We are thrilled to have Giovanna on board to take us on an Italian adventure as she discovers more about her family history and explores the wonderful scenery and immense food that Italy has to offer.” Giovanna Fletcher: Made In Italy has been commissioned by ITV’s Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality Amanda Stavri. Executive Producers for Leeds based production company Daisybeck Studios are Matt Walton and Rachael Parker.
Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom (6×60) is produced by the makers of the award-winning ITV documentary Kate Garraway: Finding Derek and critically acclaimed follow-up Caring for Derek.
The series follows Kelsey Parker as she negotiates and navigates life after the death of her husband, Tom Parker, in Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom.
Through Kelsey’s very personal story, she will open the doors to her life and explore bereavement and grief in a way we’ve never seen before, looking at how Kelsey is re-building her life without Tom. Kelsey’s story and the impact on her young family is at the heart of this conversation and through her eyes we’ll see her meet with people from all walks of life across the UK, who can share their insights into our relationship with grief and the different methods that can help us find a way through it. From household names who open up about their own personal experiences with grief, to other young widows and bereavement experts, Kelsey’s journey will see her and her young family mark the major milestones without Tom and, discover if exploring alternative approaches to grief like visiting death cafes and grief yoga can help us all come to terms with loss. The series is an unflinching look at the reality of bereavement, that confronts death with compassion, empathy, emotional frankness and some humour. Kelsey’s new life and her approach acts as a catalyst to get the nation talking about one of life’s universal moments – something that affects everybody, that we all must face.
Amanda Stavri, ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality said: “Continuing our commitment to bring viewers real-life stories, we are privileged to have Kelsey bravely share her experience after the passing of her husband, Tom. Kelsey has allowed cameras into her home to follow her very own personal journey with grief, in the hope it helps others.”
Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom has been commissioned by ITV’s Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality Amanda Stavri. Executive Producers for Flicker Productions are Colleen Flynn and Charlotte Nicholls.
Jon Creamer
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