ITV reorders the acclaimed comedy drama Ladies of Letters

27/08/2009

The quirky and compelling comedy drama series Ladies of Letters, starring Maureen Lipman and Anne Reid as two very different widows who become pen pals, has been recommissioned by Emma Tennant, ITV’s Controller of Digital Channels.

The ten part series which aired in February this year was produced by Tiger Aspect Productions. It was the first original comedy commission for ITV3 and was also recently repeated very successfully on ITV1.

 These new ten episodes will feature more vitriolic correspondence between Irene (Maureen Lipman) and Vera (Anne Reid) fuelled by their intense rivalry about everything under the sun, ranging from recipes for blue cheese quiche to their despair over their dysfunctional children.

Ladies of Letters is written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman, who came up with the original idea of sending improvised letters to each other more than 20 years ago. The resulting books led to ten radio series and highly successful CDs, before making it to the screen. It will be directed by John Henderson, produced by Francis Matthews and executive produced by Sophie Clarke-Jervoise.

Emma Tennant says: “We are thrilled that Ladies of Letters will be returning to ITV3, the acting, writing and production of this drama is of the highest standard.”

Hayman and Wakefield say: 'Emma is so perceptive. We've always believed that once Ladies made it to the screen it would be a huge hit, as there's something in it for everyone.'

Michaela Hennessy-Vass, ITV’s Controller of Comedy adds: “It’s wonderful to see the return of the venerable Ladies of Letters to our screens. We’re so delighted to be working again with Maureen Lipman and Anne Reid, two fabulous actresses who bring the characters alive brilliantly.”