Media group STV today unveiled plans for a new celebrity cookery series as it reported an 8 per cent rise in first-half profits.
The company said the show, to air on BBC Two, will feature pairs of chefs travelling the country in a vintage van equipped with its own kitchen.
The news came as STV posted a pre-tax profit of £7 million for the six months to the end of June, up from £6.5m a year earlier.
It also said it was reviewing whether to reinstate dividend payments on the back of its rising profits, and will update shareholders in February.
Chief executive Rob Woodward said: “The strong financial performance delivered in the period demonstrates the underlying strength of our business and we are successfully extending our reach and engaging with new consumers across an increased range of platforms.
“Today’s announcement of another new BBC series commission for STV Productions demonstrates the growth momentum in that business.”
Revenues rose 1 per cent to £47.6m in the first half, and the group trimmed its net debt by 3 per cent to £55.9m.