ITV has announced its initial slate of factual commissions for forthcoming streaming service ITVX.
The new free streamer - launching in November - marks a change in strategic direction for the UK's largest commercial broadcaster, with many shows premiering on ITVX months ahead of a traditional TX on linear channels.
The factual shows set for the service include a two-part documentary about the disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris, a five-part series about the Royal Family's perspective on key world events during The Queen's reign and a natural history series narrated by Stephen Fry.
Laura Whitmore, who recently quit as host of ITV2's ratings heavyweight Love Island, will host a new show called Laura Whitmore Investigates in which she will take on "a series of controversial issues in immersive, investigative films" about "subjects that fascinate her and have an impact on our lives".
Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV's controller of factual, said: "We're excited about the opportunity ITVX presents for us and with our commissioning we want to broaden the palette of factual in very different and surprising ways.
"Documentary box sets with directorial ambition, on a diverse range of subjects, lead our developing slate; alongside series from new factual talent, including Laura Whitmore Investigates, which we are delighted to announce.
"This is just the beginning of a range of new opportunities as the world of Factual opens up on ITVX, with much more to come."
Also on the factual slate are a new series of ITV2's acclaimed The Social Media Murders, a previously-announced new show about cosmetic surgery from Olivia Attwood and a true crime series about familial homicide called A Murder In the Family.
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