Sky 1’s hit comedy drama Stella commissioned for a fourth series
“Remains one of the most entertaining and warm-hearted comedies on TV” – TV Times
(London, Thursday 27th February, 2014) BSkyB continues its commitment to investing in British productions with the commission of the fourth series of the award-winning comedy drama STELLA, for Sky 1. Created by and starring Ruth Jones the 10 x 60 series from Tidy Productions will go into production later this year for transmission in 2015.
This new series order follows on from the third series, currently transmitting on Friday nights at 9pm, and a Christmas special which will commence filming next month.
STELLA was swiftly established a customer favourite, claiming the spot of the second biggest UK comedy launch in multichannel history with its debut in 2012. The heartwarming family saga, set in the Welsh valleys, continues to charm audiences and is the channel’s most watched comedy to date. The series was also honoured last year with three British Academy Cymru Awards® in the Television Drama, Editing and Writing categories.
Lucy Lumsden, Head of Comedy, Sky Entertainment commented: “Stella's continued success has been a massive part of comedy's journey on Sky 1 HD. With its Welsh warmth and wit, we are delighted to bring back the fourth series for our customers."
Ruth Jones, MBE added: "I'm thrilled that Sky viewers love delving into the world of Pontyberry so much that we're being welcomed back for a fourth series. It's stunnin presh."
David Peet, Series Producer, said: "Tidy Productions is proud to have delivered such a large scale hit series for Sky. It's a joy that the audience love the show so much."
The 10 x 60’ series will be made by Tidy Productions and Executive Producers are David Peet and Ruth Jones for Tidy Productions, and Jon Mountague for Sky. Spencer Campbell will produce the series.
This year Sky will invest £600 million a year in original British content and production across its portfolio of channels. This commitment includes home-grown content such as entertainment quiz DUCK QUACKS DON’T ECHO, dramas such as MOONFLEET, THE TUNNEL, DRACULA, A YOUNG DOCTOR’S NOTEBOOK, FLEMING and THE SMOKE, comedies such as STELLA, DOLL & EM,THE KUMARS and factual shows such as KARL PILKINGTON: THE MOANING OF LIFE, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW, THE FACE and ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD.
Series four of STELLA will air in early 2015 on Sky 1 HD.
ENDS
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Notes to editor
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