Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

UKTV acquires UK premiere for second series of the Italian Riviera set historical drama, Hotel Portofino on U and U&DRAMA

04/09/2024

UKTV today announces the acquisition of Hotel Portofino (2 x 6x60') for U and U&DRAMA. The first series will air on Friday 27th September at 9pm, followed by a UK premiere of the second series later in the year. The hit drama, produced by Eagle Eye Drama in association with Beta Film, which also handles international distribution, has been sold to over 70 territories, including Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and North America where is has been released to great acclaim.

The deal was secured by Jimmy Rumble, global acquisitions manager, and overseen by Melanie Rumani, global head of acquisitions, UKTV and BBC Studios, together with Beta's Andreas Khevenhueller and Oliver N. Bachert.

a show that is a little bit like if White Lotus took place in the post-World War I Hotel Portofino is a historical drama about a British family who establish a hotel for upper class travellers on the magical Italian Riviera during the 1920s. In the first series, co-proprietor and moving spirit, Bella Ainsworth (Natascha McElhorne) is short of staff and ready money. Her guests, including the imperious Lady Latchmere (Anna Chancellor), are demanding and hard-to-please; and she's being targeted by a scheming and corrupt local politician, Signor Danioni (Pasquale Esposito), who threatens to drag her into the red-hot political cauldron of Mussolini's Italy. Bella also has her aristocratic but caddish husband, Cecil (Mark Umbers), to deal with as he obsesses over arranging an advantageous marriage for their son to secure the future of the Ainsworth family's estate back in England and finding the money to pay for his dilettante lifestyle.

In series two, Bella is looking forward to her son Lucian's (Oliver Dench) imminent arrival for a vacation and the chance to discuss her plans for the hotel with him. However, a shadow begins to fall over her plans, when her no-good husband Cecil turns up unannounced in Portofino. In the middle of the hot Italian summer, Bella will be forced to confront the reality of her relationship with Cecil and decide whether to accept him back into her life or not. Especially considering her growing friendship with a handsome local architect, Marco Bonacini (Giorgio Marchesi).

The series was written by Matt Baker and directed by Adam Wimpenny while Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino oversee the production as executive producers.

The third series of Hotel Portofino, directed by Jon Jones, is currently airing on PBS in the US, and has been described by The New York Times as a show that is a little bit like if White Lotus took place in the post-World War I.

Melanie Rumani said: This deal is a fantastic opportunity and one that really solidifies our relationship with the brilliant team at Beta Film. We're thrilled to be partnering with them on this series.

Emma Ayech, channel director for U&DRAMA, added: We're excited to be adding Hotel Portofino to our offering of high-quality dramas on U&DRAMA. The beautiful setting of the Italian Riviera is the perfect antidote to those autumnal nights, so we can't wait for our viewers to dive into this one.

Andreas Khevenhueller, VP International Sales & Acquisitions, commented: At Beta we are beyond thrilled to announce that UKTV is the new "port of call" for the sensational drama Hotel Portofino. This captivating series has already won hearts around the globe, and is ready to bring a burst of sunshine, luxury, and thrilling adventures to the UK. We are confident that viewers will be swept away by the charm, intrigue, and breathtaking scenery this show offers.

Hotel Portofino will be available to stream for free on U.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Phelps, Publicity Manager, UKTV

Notes for Editors:

About U&DRAMA

Sky 143, Virgin Media 130, Freeview 20, Freesat 158

+1 Sky 243, Virgin Media 226, Freeview, 60

On demand on Sky, Virgin Media & U

Free-to-air channel U&DRAMA is passionate about bringing Britain the best quality drama. From period to contemporary, family to comedy, the channel provides an abundance of well-loved classics and modern drama with stories for viewers to fully immerse themselves in.

With programmes including familiar favourites Call the Midwife, The Bill, New Tricks and Silent Witness, and brand new and exclusive hits Sister Boniface Mysteries, Whitstable Pearl and Signora Volpe, this is the channel where viewers can escape and indulge in a handpicked range of the nations most celebrated TV dramas.

U&DRAMA also offers a charming collection of U&Originals, with the TV adaptation of Robert Thorogood's hit novel The Marlow Murder Club starring Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, Cara Horgan and Natalie Dew, and the true story of the Mitford sisters in Outrageous, starring Bessie Carter, Joanna Vanderham, James Purefoy and Anna Chancellor. Viewers will get the chance to delve back into the world of Bergerac in a brand-new re-imagined series written by Toby Whithouse and starring Damien Molony in the leading role. Content can also be streamed for free on U.

About U

U is UKTV's free streaming service, providing instant access to shows from UKTVs free-to-air channels - U&Dave, U&DRAMA U&W and U&YESTERDAY. Viewers can browse 8,500 hours of programming - including exclusive content, award-winning originals, premiere acquisitions and iconic BBC programmes across drama, (Whitstable Pearl, Marlow Murder Club, Annika, Sister Boniface Mysteries, Sons of Anarchy, Mike, Madam Secretary, A Million Little Things, The Shield, The Bill, Classic EastEnders, Holby City plus upcoming series in 2025 such as Bergerac and Outrageous), comedy (Meet the Richardsons, Red Dwarf, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, We Are Not Alone, Rosie Jones's Comedy Disability Extravaganza),entertainment (Battle in the Box, Big Zuus Big Eats, David Mitchells Outsiders, QI, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, Worlds Mos
LINK: https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/newsroom/uktv-acquires-uk-premiere-for-se...
See more stories from uktv

More from UKTV

24/09/2024

New episodes of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators to premiere on Alibi before launching on BBC & iPlayer

Fan-favourite Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators has started filming ...

23/09/2024

Sky & UKTV extend multi-year partnership

- Renewed agreement sees UKTV pay channels, Alibi and Gold, together with its free channel portfolio, available to Sky customers - Gold & Alibi also available ...

19/09/2024

UKTV crowns the Classic Car Kings in new restoration series for U&YESTERDAY

UKTV has commissioned the new series, Classic Car Kings (6x60'), for leading factual channel U&YESTERDAY and free streaming service, U. The six-part series ...

18/09/2024

Line up revealed for World's Most Dangerous Roads S6

Johnny Vegas & Lucy Beaumont and Babatunde Al sh & Kae Kurd arethecomedians taking part in brand new episodes of World's Most Dangerous Roads, which return...

18/09/2024

TV channel Gold's Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out is joined by celebrities Emma Bunton, Meera Syal, Ruby Wax and more

The nation's favourite comedy channel, Gold, is set to take a reflective loo...

17/09/2024

FIRST LOOK at Damien Molony in re-imagined series of Bergerac for U and U&DRAMA

UKTV today releases a selection of first look images captured in Jersey for the upcoming re-imagined series of Bergerac (6x60') for U and U&DRAMA. The six-p...

16/09/2024

UKTV joins BBC, ITV, Channel 4 & Channel 5 on Freely, the UK's new live and on demand streaming platform

UKTV and Everyone TV - the organisation leading the evolution of free TV in the ...

05/09/2024

FIRST LOOK: The Marlow Murder Club welcomes star-studded line-up of guest stars for second series on U and U&DRAMA

Nina Sosanya, Samantha Womack, Hugh Quarshie, Patrick Robinson and many more joi...

04/09/2024

UKTV acquires UK premiere for second series of the Italian Riviera set historical drama, Hotel Portofino on U and U&DRAMA

UKTV today announces the acquisition of Hotel Portofino (2 x 6x60') for U an...

28/08/2024

New series of Canal Boat Diaries sees Robbie return to where it all began

UKTV has commissioned another new series of Canal Boat Diaries (10x60) for leading factual channel U&YESTERDAY and free streaming service, U, having licensed th...

27/08/2024

FIRST LOOK images released for upcoming Chris Lang drama I, Jack Wright on Alibi

UKTV today releases a selection of first look images for the upcoming U&Original series, I, Jack Wright (6x60') on specialist crime drama channel, Alibi. Th...

22/08/2024

Katie Piper returns to U&W for new series, Katie Piper: Locked Up In Louisiana

Notorious New Orleans womens prison to open its doors for new documentary series. TV presenter, Katie Piper returns to U&W to once again uncover life for women...

22/08/2024

Guy Martin joins UKTV's roster of talent with his first U&Dave Original series

UKTV is excited to announce the commission of the new series, Guy Martin's P...

19/08/2024

U&DAVE'S JOKE OF THE FRINGE 2024

U&DAVE'S JOKE OF THE FRINGE 2024 10 FUNNIEST GAGS OF THE 2024 EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL REVEALED Comedian Mark Simmons wins U&Dave's Funniest Joke of...

15/08/2024

FIRST LOOK images released for Outrageous on U and U&DRAMA

UKTV today releases a selection of first look images for the upcoming U&Original series, Outrageous (6x60') on U and U&DRAMA. The brand-new drama, created a...

01/08/2024

Live auction special and more as U goes back Under the Bonnet with Bangers & Cash

UKTV's free streaming service, U, to get exclusive Bangers & Cash specials f...

31/07/2024

Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal renewed for further 8 episode run

UKTV has commissioned popular factual label Red Sauce, part of Zinc Media Group, to make a further two seasons of its gritty factual series Special Ops: To Catc...

24/07/2024

W commissions brand-new docu-reality series The Young Midwives of Essex

UKTV has commissioned The Young Midwives of Essex (8x60) from Firecracker Films (Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, Emma Willis: Delivering Babies). This brand-new docu...

23/07/2024

Pete Wicks to front brand new DOG-umentary for U and U&W

UKTV has commissioned brand-new Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake (4x60') for free-to-air entertainment channel U&W, and recently rebranded free streaming serv...

22/07/2024

Wheelie Good Portraits mark the new series of World's Most Dangerous Roads

Portraits of Joe Swash, Chris Kamara and Angela Barnes created using scrap car parts Portraits of Joe Swash, Chris Kamara and Angela Barnes made entirely of sc...

22/07/2024

W commissions brand-new docu-reality series The Real Midwives of Essex

UKTV has commissioned The Real Midwives of Essex (8x60) from Firecracker Films (Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, Emma Willis: Delivering Babies). This brand-new docu-...

22/07/2024

UKTV licenses six shows from Disney Entertainment for Alibi, Drama, Dave and UKTV Play

A Small Light, Mike, Alaska Daily, The Company You Keep, Sons of Anarchy S1-7, B...

22/07/2024

UKTV Ventures partners with online care marketplace, Elder, in airtime-for-equity deal

Award-winning broadcaster UKTV has today announced it has invested in the award-...

22/07/2024

UKTV to launch masterbrand U on 16th July 2024

Battle in the Box, Whitstable Pearl series two, Sons of Anarchy and the UK premiere of Orlando Bloom: To the Edge head up launch Brand new original commissions...

22/07/2024

Great-ish News as Dave Gorman Returns to U&Dave

Four brand new specials for iconic hit comedy show examining modern life will air later this year Stand-up comedian and "high priest of comedy PowerPoint" (The...

22/07/2024

Claire Hookway joins UKTV commissioning team for original drama

UKTV has appointed Claire Hookway to the newly created role of Commissioning Executive to bolster the development of the multi-channel broadcasters growing slat...

22/07/2024

Filming begins for Series 4 of Sister Boniface Mysteries

Filming has begun on the fourth series of the hugely popular BBC Studios Drama production, Sister Boniface Mysteries, a BritBox International and UKTV co-produc...

22/07/2024

U&W to spend another series At Home with Katherine Ryan

Comedian Katherine Ryan will once again open the doors to her family home for At Home With Katherine Ryan (4x60') on U&W, Broadcast Digital's Entertainm...

22/07/2024

Global superstar, Cher, stars in new advert from UKTV celebrating today's introduction of U, its free streaming service

The witty story sees Cher travel through new and loved shows from U whilst perfo...

22/07/2024

UKTV launches U Masterbrand on air and unveils global superstar Cher in U streaming advert

Stream on U Today marks the launch of UKTV's new Masterbrand U, which sees...

22/07/2024

World's first TV Dinners restaurant opens!

TV Dinners for U' experience pairs gourmet food with curated menu of TV shows from new free streaming service, U New restaurant pop-up heightens the TV d...

22/07/2024

Paul McGann, Tim McInnerny and many more join as guest stars for Alibi's Bookish

Further guest stars are now confirmed for Bookish (6x70'), a brand-new drama...

10/07/2024

U&Dave thinks Will & Ralf Should Know Better

Will Mellor and Ralf Little will bring their renowned chemistry to U and U&Dave later this year with Will & Ralf Should Know Better (4x60). Pulling back the cur...

07/07/2024

Damien Molony set to star as Jim Bergerac in re-imagined series of Bergerac for U&DRAMA and U

Other cast include Zo Wanamaker and Philip Glenister Casting is now confirmed ...

04/07/2024

Fronted by Dermot O'Leary and featuring Katherine Ryan, U&Dave orders Silence is Golden, Yes Yes Media's brand-new comedy competition

Each episode begins with U&Dave giving the studio audience £250,000 to share bet...

04/07/2024

Dave Gorman Returns to U&Dave

Great-Ish News as Dave Gorman returns to U&Dave Four brand new specials for iconic hit comedy show examining modern life will air later this year Stand-up comed...

02/07/2024

It's official, were a nation of TV addicts! Brits spend 4 years watching the telly

Worlds first TV Dinners for U restaurant opens in London to mark the launch of n...

26/06/2024

Filming begins for new drama Outrageous - the story of the notorious Mitford sisters

The series is produced by Firebird Pictures and written by Sarah Williams Filmi...

20/06/2024

Rosie Jones's Disability Comedy Extravaganza returns for a third series on free-to-air channel U&Dave and free streaming service, U

Free-to-air channel Dave and UKTV Play to be renamed U&Dave and U, following lau...

19/06/2024

Gold gets to know absolutely everything about Absolutely Fabulous

Sweetie darlings... its time to pour some champers, grab your best Gaultier and get ready for three decades of fabulous! The nations favourite comedy channel, ...

06/06/2024

UKTV to launch masterbrand U on 16th July

Battle in the Box, Whitstable Pearl series two, Sons of Anarchy and the UK premiere of Orlando Bloom: To the Edge head up launch Brand new original commissions...

06/06/2024

UKTV commissions two new true crime shows from Wag Entertainment

UKTV continues its commitment to the intriguing world of true crime with Back from the Dead: Who Kidnapped Me? (3 x 60) and Lies, Deceit And Betrayal (6 x 60). ...

20/05/2024

Masters of Reinvention commissioned for Yesterday & UKTV Play

UKTV has commissioned Masters of Reinvention (6x60) for its leading factual channel Yesterday and free streaming service UKTV Play, to be produced by Air TV. I...

15/05/2024

UKTV Ventures partners with The Farewell Guide in 1million airtime-for-equity deal

12th March 2024 - Award-winning broadcaster UKTV has today announced it has inve...

07/05/2024

Paul Whitehouse takes viewers through The Sketch Show Years in new 4-part series on Gold

The nations favourite comedy channel Gold has teamed up with the maestro of the ...

29/04/2024

Filming begins and further cast confirmed in Mark Gatiss drama Bookish for Alibi

Further casting is now confirmed for Bookish (6x70), a brand-new drama created by Emmy Award-winning writer Mark Gatiss, for UKTVs specialist crime drama channe...

24/04/2024

UKTV's pay TV channel Alibi joins forces with S4C and All3Media International for new legal crime drama series Mudtown

UKTV today announces the commission of the brand-new series, Mudtown (6x60), for...