The Stage

Sky set for more Pratchett adaptations

Published Wednesday 16 August 2006 at 17:50 by Liz Thomas

Sky is set to dramatise more Terry Pratchett books, with producers optioning the rights on at least two novels in the hugely popular Discworld series, to be developed if the forthcoming Hogfather production proves a success.

The big budget drama, which stars David Jason, in his debut for Sky, and also features Tony Robinson, Nigel Planer, Marc Warren and Ian Richardson as the voice of Death, has been shot in high definition. The two-part film, which will run for a total of four hours, is likely to broadcast just before Christmas week. While it is the first Discworld book to be turned into a live action movie, it is understood that producers have optioned the rights for more books in the series, including The Colour of Magic, the first in the Discworld comic fantasy franchise.

Sky One will also broadcast Robbie William’s forthcoming concert live in high definition - a UK first. The broadcaster will also air Cirque de Celebrite, hosted by Ruby Wax, which sees celebrities perform circus acts in front of a live studio audience. The least popular performer faces eviction from the show.

Denise Van Outen has also been lined-up to front The Race, billed as a battle of the sexes driving competition with teams captained by Eddie Irvine and David Coulthard.

The Apprentice’s Ruth Badger will present a new seven part series, entitled The Big Idea, which will search for budding entrepreneurs and offers prize money totalling £100,000.