UKTV

A wartime aircraft hangar at Leeds East Airport is an unlikely setting for the next generation of out-of-London TV talent to start their careers, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Air TV.

The company – run by ex-BBC execs Matt Richards, Andy Joynson and Ian Cundall – is passionate about attracting, training and retaining young talent to work on their fast-growing slate of factual shows.

There’s a firm logic in the recent push to serve up more original drama by the likes of Channel 5 (Boleyn, The Drowning) and BritBox (The Beast Must Die, Crime). For viewers, a gripping drama is a calling card that helps define a channel in an increasingly crowded market.

Within the industry, it is a stake in the ground, a display of creativity and clout. So, it is fascinating to see that the pay-TV crime channel Alibi, owned by UKTV, has thrown its towel in the ring, and shown its full commitment with a succession of new shows in the second half of 2021.

Cameras will give viewers an insight into Humes’ life as she turns her personal passion for interior design into the professional world.

Humes will visit families all over the country and completely transform their homes with the perfect post-pandemic makeover.

Over the years, Humes has renovated several of her own homes and has a loyal Instagram following who love seeing her style tips and interiors taste. 

However, she has never been faced with real clients, a problem brief, constrained budgets and unrealistic expectations. 

The four-part series will follow Willis and Odudu as they help families all over the UK get their businesses on track after a tough year. 

The pair will offer a much-needed helping hand during some of these families’ darkest times. 

However, there is a twist, each family is facing their own unique challenge, which will require Willis and Odudu to learn new skills in order to help. 

These families are at a make-or-break point so will need the duo to bring their A-game, think quickly on their feet and immerse themselves in their new jobs. 

Having experienced her own pregnancy losses, Mylene Klass will open up on her trauma to help break the taboo that often surrounds the subject.

Klass said: "I think I needed to make this because I needed to watch this. After my miscarriages I had to try and find some answers, some peace, some solidarity with people who've been through it too.

“You just don't want to feel alone because the defining feeling of miscarriage is feeling alone."

The five short form shows will offer audiences unique and easily shareable comedy content and introduce upcoming talent. 

The two shorts for Dave’s YouTube channel include Big Zuu’s Wrap Clash, a new fun brand new food competition that will pit Big Zuu against social media stars to create the best wrap.

Nurses Down Under shows viewers the realities of working on Sydney’s frontline, with exclusive access to nurses working across three of Sydney’s major hospitals.

From A&E disasters to major theatre operations, to newborn babies on maternity wards and time critical organ transplants, the series will show the world of medicine through the eyes of the nurses working in the major Australian city. 

Richard Ayoade, David Mitchell and Tom Allen are among the talent making their debuts for the channel.

In Outsiders, David Mitchell will challenge three pairs of comedians across six episodes to a series of outdoor challenges.

Ed Gamble, Jamali Maddix, Jessica Knappett, Kerry Godliman, Lou Sanders and Toussaint Douglass will take part in the first series.

Mitchell said: “Civilisation is clearly crumbling so it’s high time we worked out whether we can cope without it.

The new series will see the return of Les Vegas (Sanjeev Bhaskar), Emily Verma (Natalie Dew), and will welcome new character Donna Vegas, Emily’s estranged mother, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman. 

Series one ended with Les running back to the sea, this time with daughter Emily in tow, as they try to evade the ruthless One Eyed Man (Hugh Bonneville).