ITV has secured a major new entertainment series from the BBC in what promises to be a bold addition to their 2025 lineup.
The Assembly was produced by Rockerdale Studios, and is set to air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
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Originally piloted on the BBC with actor Michael Sheen as the celebrity interviewee, The Assembly garnered critical acclaim, and was dubbed “a breath of fresh air” by Chitra Ramaswamy at the Gaurdian.
The show’s unique format was adapted from the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin.
It features celebrities being interviewed by a panel of neurodivergent, autistic, and learning-disabled individuals.
The questions are unscripted, candid, and often unpredictable, making for television that is both heartwarming and at times absurd.
In the words of Michael Sheen, who starred in the pilot: “The Assembly’s had more response than anything I’ve ever done.”
Now ITV has committed to a four-episode series, bringing the concept to a wider audience.
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment and Daytime at ITV, praised the show saying: “The Assembly is such a distinct, clever, and authentic format, and one that we’re absolutely thrilled to commission for a full first series for ITV1 and ITVX.
“I can’t wait for The Assembly interviewers to ask our brilliant cast of celebrities a plethora of burning questions, which will no doubt make for must-watch TV.”
The decision to adapt The Assembly marks ITV’s latest push to diversify its entertainment offerings while championing inclusivity.
Rockerdale Studios has collaborated with local and national neurodivergent organizations to ensure authenticity in every aspect of production.
The original French version of The Assembly featured prominent figures like Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and French President Emmanuel Macron, who faced a cheeky question about whether it’s appropriate to marry your teacher.
The UK adaptation aims to retain this playful, no-holds-barred atmosphere while tailoring the content towards British audiences.
Rockerdale Studios’ Michelle Singer and Stu Richards expressed their excitement for the new series, saying: “This show will be funny and naughty and warm and smart, and, bloody hell, we’ve got ourselves all worked up now… we just cannot wait to make it.”
The celebrity lineup for ITV’s adaptation remains under wraps, but the promise of unfiltered, unscripted interviews has already generated buzz.