ITV confirms O'Grady return in 2005

ITV has succeeded in persuading Paul O'Grady to return with a new series of his teatime talkshow next year.

As previously reported, the network had been keen to keep the comedian on air after his show quickly developed a dominance of the 5pm slot.

Now he will be back with a new 16-week run beginning March 2005. "Paul’s show has been the most successful daytime launch this year," said ITV's controller of off-peak, Steven Andrew. "This is just the kind of family show we need at 5pm and I am thrilled to be re-commissioning it for next year."

In an attempt to hold onto the ratings advantage in the interim, ITV is moving lunchtime talkshow Des and Mel to the 5pm slot from the New Year.