ITV Hooks Monster Hit From Icon Films

ITV is set to screen River Monsters, featuring extreme angler Jeremy Wade tracking down some of the most dangerous freshwater fish on the planet.
ITV has acquired the series from Bristol-based Icon Films for the UK premiere of the indie's hit series. The broadcaster has ordered a pre-watershed version of the series for ITV1, as well as the full version to air on ITV4.
Earlier this year, River Monsters helped Animal Planet US score its highest ever ratings for a series.
Jeremy Wade, an expert fisherman, travels the world to find out the truth behind the myths of freshwater fish that have developed a taste for human flesh, coming face to face with the man-eating monsters.
Wade ventures to some of the planet's most inhospitable locations, wading through jungles to reach the extreme and treacherous habitats of these creatures.
Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV Controller of Popular Factual and Zai Bennett, Director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, brought the series to ITV and the Commissioning Editor is Diana Howie.
Diana Howie said: "This impressive series adds real diversity to the ITV1 early evening offering and has found a great host in presenter Jeremy Wade."
Harry Marshall, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer, Icon Films, said: "River Monsters has had phenomenal success in the US, where Jeremy's popularity has soared, making him a star overnight. we are incredibly excited to have secured our first deal with ITV, for what I'm sure will be a massive success with UK audiences, and look forward to a prosperous working relationship in the future."
Animal Planet US announced earlier this year that Icon Films' River Monsters reeled in an average of more than a million households across its seven premiere episodes, making it the best-performing series in the network's history.
(KMcA/BMcc)