Updated: Liverpool soap lined up for BBC

A new Liverpool-based soap opera from the co-creator of Brookside is being considered by the BBC for 2008.

TV and film producer Colin McKeown, who worked on Coronation Street and was one of the original creators of Channel 4’s Brookside, is in talks with the broadcaster about a pilot series.

The as yet unnamed soap is, which is being executive produced by former Brookside writer Jimmy McGovern, is believed to be being considered for the Neighbours slot, which will become vacant when the Australian soap moves to Five next year.

The show, being produced by McKeown's LA Productions, is to be shot on location in the Kirkdale area of Liverpool. If the 20-week pilot series gets the go-ahead, it is likely it will air next summer.

McKeown told the Liverpool Daily Post: "I think this is a great opportunity and we are very hopeful that we will be given the programme. It will mean a lot to Liverpool, particularly in the year that it is celebrating European Capital of Culture, to be the location of a soap that reflects the changing face of our major cities."

A BBC spokeswoman, however, told DS today: "The BBC is currently looking at a number of options to replace Neighbours. A decision has yet to be made."