ITV plants Wishing Tree order

ITV is piloting The Wishing Tree, the feelgood format from Talpa Media, which sits within the UK broadcaster’s stable of prodcos.

ITV has ordered a non-TX pilot of the show in which children hang wishes in a ‘wishing tree’, the twist being the wish is not for themselves but for a person they think deserves it.

Another ITV company, Shiver, will produce the pilot for the broadcaster.

“The Wishing Tree is a brilliantly simple idea with a wonderful objective at its heart,” said Alexander Gardiner, managing director, Shiver.

“Not only are we tapping into Talpa’s vast portfolio to bring the show to the UK – we’re also enjoying the benefit of their experience producing this unique format for European audiences.”

Talpa’s sales arm, which is distinct from that of its parent group ITV, sells the format internationally. It has already shopped it to broadcasters including VTM in Belgium and Antenna in Greece.

The original version went out on RTL4 in the Netherlands, launching last May.

Madeleine Knight, director of development and formats, Talpa UK, said: “The Wishing Tree is a simple and inspiring show which gives young children the chance to dream big. We’re really looking forward to working with ITV and Shiver on this heart-warming project.”