SINBAD V DOCTOR WHO

The BBC had better look over its shoulder - Sky One is reportedly planning to air its planned adaptation of Sinbad the Sailor against next year’s series of Doctor Who. According to The Sun the 13-part series, with a budget of £2million per episode, is being given a modern makeover and will be set in Basra! Sky has yet to cast the drama but is planning to air it against Doctor Who next year. The drama is unlikely to have a major impact on Doctor Who ratings though as ratings for Sky rarely break the 1 million mark.

"It is by far our biggest show next year. Doctor Who is aimed at one type of family - our show will be for a younger, cooler family who like sexy, cool heroes." Stuart Murphy, controller of Sky One quoted in The Sun

The move is part of Sky’s ambitious plan to up its drama quota after criticisms it heavily relies on American imports. While Sky has just signed a new deal with HBO giving it exclusive access to the premium American broadcaster’s backlog and future productions Sky is also pumping more money into it’s home-grown dramas and comedies. The channel has reportedly ordered more SAS drama Strike Back and is keen to produce more British drama’s to prove it can produce quality television just as well as the BBC.