ITV hopes for 'BGT' Saturday night boost

ITV has launched a raft of new shows for Saturday night to coincide with the return of Britain's Got Talent.

The Guardian reports that executives hope that the talent show, which attracted record ratings for last year's finale, will boost other programmes in the broadcaster's lineup.

Simon Shaps, ITV's former director of television, says that the show "is as certain as you can be of delivering a surefire hit".

The Whole 19 Yards, a gameshow hosted by Vernon Kay and Caroline Flack, launched directly before Talent, while The Prisoner - which stars Sir Ian McKellen - premiered at 9.30pm.

Peter Fincham, ITV's director of television, said: "The mood at ITV is a positive one and I think we have a strong sense of our place in the world. What we do in entertainment is clear for all to see.

"A year or so ago, when we were in the teeth of the recession, some people questioned whether we had the appetite for drama," he added. "A lot of hard work was done in difficult circumstances last year. It felt like dark days, but now there is a touch of spring in the air."

Last year, Mr & Mrs was successfully revived when scheduled alongside Talent on Saturdays.