ITV plan circus show

A Clown

ITV are reportedly hoping to replicate the success of Channel 4's 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' programme with a fly-on-the-wall documentary about circus life.

ITV are planning a fly-on-the-wall programme about circus life.

The network are hoping the show - which will follow the Darnell family, who have run a Big Top troupe for 200 years - will be able to match the success of Channel 4's hit 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' series.

Cameras will follow the 100-strong crew of acrobats, contortionists and clowns as they travel the country throughout the year, treating viewers to an intimate view of circus life.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Everyone saw the success Channel 4 had with 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' and we all want a bit of it.

"Gypsies have been done to death now so it's time to look at another aspect of British life.

"The circus is a fascinating world and we think viewers will be gripped."

At present, just a one-off show is planned about the circus, but insiders say there is interest in turning it into an entire series if the first programme is a hit.