Anyone still squirming over last year’s much-criticised reality show Jewish Mum of the Year may greet with trepidation the news that another TV project featuring Jewish mothers is in the pipeline.
ITN Productions has issued an appeal for women to audition for a new programme, but stresses it will not be Jewish Mum of the Year mark two.
Rather than a competition-based format, the new show, which is as yet untitled, will feature two Jewish women coming to the aid of people facing domestic calamities.
“Jewish Mum of the Year was really competitive. This is about two genuine, warm women who have a desire to help people sort out their problems,” said producer Virginia Baker.
“Jewish women are all about family. We want them to expand how they approach sorting out their own family situations to a wider audience.”
The programme, which is intended to air on Channel 5, is currently in development stage, with the production company auditioning potential participants. “We’re looking for the new breed of television expert. Think Kim and Aggie, Supernanny, Phil and Kirstie,” Ms Baker said, referring to successful shows with the same format.
The two mothers need to be charismatic, opinionated and not afraid to get involved, Ms Baker added. “Whether they have planned barmitzvahs or they’re matchmakers, if they are a Jewish mother or grandmother aged between 45 and 70, they’re qualified.”
The aim was to “break the stereotype of the Jewish mum, showing the real heart, warmth and wisdom behind this cultural institution”.
A smash-hit American TV series based on the Bible is to be broadcast in the UK later this year. The 10-hour series, called The Bible, is split equally between Old and New Testaments. It will be screened on Channel 5 in the autumn.
