Upcoming ITV Series “The Assembly” Features Notable Celebrities
In ITV’s new show The Assembly, celebrities like Gary Lineker, Danny Dyer, and David Tennant will be interviewed by a unique panel of journalists who are autistic, neurodivergent, and/or have learning disabilities.
This innovative format, already popular internationally, challenges well-known personalities with questions from an unconventional group of interviewers. The initial season of the show will consist of four episodes, featuring not only Lineker, Dyer, and Tennant but also Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix. The series transitioned to a full series on ITV following its pilot on BBC during Autism Awareness Week, where actor Michael Sheen participated and created numerous memorable moments.
Gary Lineker is set to appear on The Assembly just as he plans to retire from his long-standing role as host of Match of the Day, a position he has held for 25 years. Recently, Lineker has been in the headlines again after he signed a letter criticizing the BBC’s handling of content related to Palestine. Meanwhile, Dyer and Tennant are coming off their successful roles in the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals, with Dyer receiving a nomination for a Broadcasting Press Guild award.
ITV’s Excitement for the New Series
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Director of Entertainment & Daytime, expressed excitement about the new series: “We’re thrilled to have such respected celebrities join this unique and innovative series. The interviews conducted by The Assembly are set to offer television that is engaging, heartwarming, and a must-watch. We look forward to bringing this to our audience on both ITV1 and ITVX.”
ITV’s adoption of The Assembly marks another success for the format, which began in France two years ago under the name Les Rencontres du Papotin on France 2. It has since been adapted in several countries including Denmark, Poland, Spain, and Australia. Notable figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, actress Camille Cottin from Killing Eve, and Spanish actor Antonio Banderas have participated in various versions of the show. The format has proven successful enough in Australia that the ABC network has ordered and recommissioned an Australian version, drawing significant attention with guests like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill.
The production of The Assembly is handled by Rockerdale Studios, which has collaborated closely with both national and local autistic and neurodivergent organizations to ensure the show respects and amplifies neurodivergent voices. The show was commissioned by Rawcliffe and David Smyth, ITV Entertainment Commissioner, with Michelle Singer and Stu Richards serving as executive producers for Rockerdale.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
