Format loses out to reality TV

ITV has been accused of abandoning the traditional family sitcom, by one of its more popular stars.

It has cancelled the show Barbara, starring Gwen Taylor (pictured), and told producers it has placed a ban on new sitcom production, looking instead to cheaper "lifestyle reality" shows to fill the schedules.

Taylor revealed her show had been axed as she collected an award for best European comedy series at the Monte Carlo Television Festival this weekend.

She said: "They told us that ITV is not commissioning any new sitcoms, including Barbara, which was disappointing because we have been one of the most popular series on ITV."

However, ITV says it is still committed to the genre, citing its decision to recommision the sitcom Hardware, written by Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye and starring The Office's Martin Freeman.

And earlier this year, the broadcaster announced that a series of one-off comedy plays as well as Director's Commentaries, a series starring Marion and Geoff's Rob Brydon parodying the extras found on many DVDs.

A spokesman said: "Barbara was a very good programme and did very well, but the network controller must be pragmatic about what the channel needs at any particular time.

"We have commissioned a new series of the Sunday night post- watershed comedy Hardware and we are very pleased with Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and Harry Hill."

Also at the Monte Carlo Television Festival, American comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm - shown in the UK on BBC4 - was named best comedy, with star Larry David best actor.

Published: 7 Jul 2003