British Comedy Guide

Ardal O'Hanlon & Sarah Hadland star in ITV sitcom pilot

Friday 8th April 2016, 1:32pm

Ardal O'Hanlon
  • Ardal O'Hanlon and Sarah Hadland have filmed a new sitcom pilot for ITV
  • The Berries focuses on Bruce and Vanessa, the parents of three kids
  • The pilot is not intended for broadcast, but ITV will use it decide whether to order a series

Sarah Hadland and Ardal O'Hanlon have filmed a new family sitcom pilot for ITV.

The Berries, which is not intended for broadcast, is a comedy about a three-child family whose "overly positive, rose tinted view of the world is their undoing".

Written by newcomer Andy Yerlett, the Left Bank Pictures pilot was filmed earlier this year in London. Produced by Jenna Jones, it was directed by Luke Snellin (The Job Lot, Fried, Fresh Meat).

O'Hanlon stars as husband and father Bruce, whilst Hadland plays wife Vanessa, mother to their three teenage children.

A channel source told British Comedy Guide, "It's a comedy about a happy family whose overly positive, rose tinted view of the world is their undoing, and will be great for viewers. No matter the situation, the Berries have a positive outlook: they all get stuck in a lift together - the Berries will find the fun to be had - family bonding time! If they go on holiday and it rains every day, that's no problem."

The pilot comes as ITV strives to strengthen its comedy offering, particularly on the network's flagship channel. A new series of hit variety show Tonight At The London Palladium - formerly Sunday Night At The Palladium - begins on Wednesday, whilst news of new series and recommissions are expected to be made in the coming months.

A decision on whether to order a full series of the sitcom is expected to be made by ITV comedy commissioner Saskia Schuster later this year.

In other news today, ITV has reshuffled its management team. Peter Davey has become the broadcaster's head of comedy entertainment, whilst digital channels boss Angela Jain takes over ITV Studios Entertainment and has been replaced by Rosemary Newell.

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