ITV1 to "relaunch" in 2008

ITV1's schedule is to undergo a major relaunch next year, executive chairman Michael Grade has revealed.

Speaking at a London broadcasting event today, Grade said the plans were part of a "huge strategic rethink" of the channel's scheduling structure. "We have been desperately trying to keep this [revamp] a secret," he said. "This is a very sensitive commercial secret for us."

As announced earlier, News at Ten will return to a regular weekday slot from its current, 10.30pm berth as part of the relaunch.

"Can anyone name me one 10pm show in midweek that we are so proud of over the last seven years?" Grade asked. "It makes commercial sense for us to [switch back]. It makes every kind of sense for us when you see the 2008 schedule and how it fits in. This is part of a much bigger move."