Phillips hails Barlow's 'Britannia' work

Arlene Phillips has praised Take That's Gary Barlow on his work for new TV series Britannia High.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge, who created the ITV musical drama, told the Press Association that Barlow instantly wanted to become involved.

Talking at the launch of the show, Phillips said: "It was just like everybody on Britannia High, [everyone who] we've talked to has wanted to be involved.

"And Gary had this idea... to get writers together, listen to the stories and virtually write to the stories with a great musical writing team."

The programme, which was cast in June, follows the trials and tribulations of pupils at a performing arts school.

The first episode will be broadcast on the Britannia High website in October, a week ahead of the show's TV debut.