News brief: ITV orders Cilla Black drama

UK broadcaster ITV has ordered a three-part scripted series looking at the early years of English singer and TV host Cilla Black.

Cilla will be made by ITV’s drama department and star Sheridan Smith (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) as the Liverpudlian entertainer. ITV’s director of drama Steve November and controller of drama Victoria Fea commissioned the show.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment will sell the three-parter internationally.