Deep Heat wrestling sitcom coming to ITV2
- ITV2 is to broadcast Deep Heat, a six part sitcom set in the world of UK wrestling
- Jahannah James stars as a wannabe wrestler who reorganises a troupe after they lose their top wrestlers
- The series has been created by comedy duo Max & Ivan, who have a background in wrestling themselves
Deep Heat, a sitcom focused on the world of wrestling, is coming to ITV2.
The six-part series focuses on the "quick-witted rebellious" Holly (played by presenter and actor Jahannah James), a frustrated wannabe wrestler "facing the challenge of a lifetime" in trying to revive her mum's pro-wrestling company.
The project, which has been in development for three years, was first revealed by British Comedy Guide in May.
Talking about the plot, the channel explains: "When all of Boss Pro's top wrestlers are poached by her brother Nick Nitro (Richard Fleeshman), Holly's mum, Pam (Pippa Haywood), is left devastated as it looks as though it's game over for the North West's oldest pro-wrestling company. But, if Holly can bring together Boss Pro's remaining gang of misfits, the company might just survive... if only Pam would allow Holly to wrestle herself.
"We join the Boss Pro crew as they look toward a summer of slams and self-discovery - can our underdogs come together and come out on top to put on the show of a lifetime?"
The series will also star Paul Olima, Alistair Petrie, Sharon Rooney, Sasha Desouza-Willock and Abby Russell.
Creators Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez also regular roles too, and the channel confirms the series will also feature guest appearances from Matt Lucas, John Thomson, Ben Ashenden and Carla Langley.
Olesker and Gonzalez, who perform comedy together as Max & Ivan (including playing useless digital strategists Ben and Jerry in W1A), have a background in wrestling. Olesker was once Britain's youngest professional wrestler, and the duo produced and starred in The Wrestling, the award-winning Edinburgh Fringe shows in which comedians fight other in a real ring.
The duo have written the episodes with prolific script editor Andrew Ellard, whose credits include Red Dwarf, The IT Crowd, Chewing Gum and Detectorists.
Deep Heat has been filmed by SLAM Films, the production company that was co-founded by Stephen Mangan to film Channel 4's Hang Ups.
The Deep Heat shoot was overseen by Intelligence and Inside No. 9 director Matt Lipsey, with Gayle Cope the producer.
Executive producers Louise Delamere and Stephen Mangan say: "We can't wait to unleash the wonderful Deep Heat on the world - a high-energy and joyous comic celebration of wrestling, glamour and tight spandex."
ITV's Paul Mortimer comments: "Deep Heat is a brilliant new addition to ITV2 and ITV Hub as we continue to bolster our scripted comedy content for younger viewers. The writers have created these brilliant and hilarious characters set in a fictional pro wrestling company."