The Stage

C4 snaps up two more US dramas

Published Thursday 15 June 2006 at 13:05 by Liz Thomas

Channel 4 has bought US series Betty the Ugly, starring Extras’ Ashley Jensen, and new Calista Flockhart drama Brothers & Sisters, in a bid to follow on from its success with current imports Desperate Housewives and Lost.

Based on the hugely popular Columbian telenovela Betty La Fea, Betty the Ugly is a quirky one-hour comedy series, executive produced by award-winning actress Salma Hayek, and Silvio Horta, creator of Urban Legend.

Betty, played by upcoming starlet America Ferrera, is a plain secretary working at a fashion magazine and Jensen plays her best friend in her first network TV role in the US.

Meanwhile former Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart appears alongside Six Feet Under actress Rachel Griffiths in Brothers & Sisters in a drama produced by Alias’ Ken Olin and Broadway playwright John Robin Baitz. The story looks at siblings trying to deal with the death of their father.

Jeff Ford, director of acquisitions, Channel 4 said: “We are delighted to have secured the rights to these much sought-after series that confirm C4’s commitment to the best of US drama.”

The broadcaster also fought off stiff competition from Five, ITV and Sky to win the rights Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The widely-anticipated series, from West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin will also see the return of Friends’ star Matthew Perry.

Former EastEnder Sean Maguire is also set for a comeback, appearing in The Class, which is made by Friends co-creator David Crane and revolving around eight twentysomething former schoolmates who are reunited at a party.

The BBC has also joined in the acquisitions frenzy, snapping up US teen drama Falcon Beach, which is being touted as the next big thing since The OC. The show is set for broadcast on BBC1 or BBC2 next year.