ITV looking for new daytime soap

Despite the abject failure of Crossroads mark two and the ill-fated Night and Day, ITV is again planning a move back into daytime soap and has compiled a shortlist of ideas for a new long-running series.

It is understood that the commercial broadcaster has shortlisted four or five production companies following a tender document it sent out during the summer for a new show aimed at a slightly older female audience.

More from Leigh Holmwood for Media Guardian (free registration required).

The revived Crossroads really was awful. Night And Day at least tried something different but it never really found its feet. The models to follow for daytime soaps, in my opinion, are Neighbours and Home And Away. They're often ridiculed but in fact they're tightly plotted, well acted and well written. Plus, they get excellent ratings.