ITV Confirms Major Schedule Shake-Up with Controversial Show Return
ITV has officially announced a significant schedule shake-up, confirming that a divisive reality programme will replace Olivia Attwood's culinary competition series The Heat. The change takes effect immediately, with viewers set to see the controversial show return to air in just hours.
The Heat Concludes as Princess Diaries Takes Over Prime Slot
The Heat, presented by Olivia Attwood, followed ten aspiring chefs as they competed under Michelin Star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli's guidance, running an upmarket restaurant in Barcelona with daily eliminations. The show's first season has now concluded, leaving its Sunday 9pm slot vacant on ITV2.
Fortunately for reality television fans, ITV2 already has another programme prepared to fill this prime-time position. The Princess Diaries, starring Katie Price and Peter Andre's daughter Princess, is scheduled to return for its second season on Sunday, March 8 at 9pm.
Controversial Reality Series Generates Strong Viewer Reactions
Launched in August 2025, the first season of The Princess Diaries focused on Princess's personal life as she approached her eighteenth birthday. The programme quickly became ITV2's biggest launch outside of Love Island and Big Brother, streaming 6.4 million times within just two months of its release.
Despite this impressive viewership, the series proved divisive among audiences. On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, one unimpressed viewer complained: "There is some serious garbage on TV these days." Another responded to ITV's season two announcement by stating: "Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely turn that off!"
However, the show also garnered significant support. One enthusiastic fan commented: "Just finished series 1! Loved it & can't wait for series 2." An IMDb user praised Princess directly, noting: "I just binged watched the four episodes and I was really impressed with how well spoken and down to earth Princess is."
New Season Addresses Backlash and Follows Independence Journey
The second season will follow Princess as she "asserts her independence and forges ahead with her career goals." The premiere episode specifically addresses negative responses to the first series, with Princess sharing her thoughts on the press backlash.
According to ITV's official synopsis: "This episode sees Princess open up about the press backlash following the release of the first series - as news stories continue to circulate about her parents, Princess decides to take matters into her own hands."
Amanda Stavri, Commissioning Editor for Reality and Entertainment at ITV, expressed excitement about the show's return: "Princess dominated side bars and social media throughout the Summer and as our streams show, the ITV audience whole heartedly embraced her. Now reality fans can look forward to not one but two more chapters in Princess’ story as we line up two new series for next year, as Princess embraces independence and adulthood."
The Princess Diaries returns to ITV2 and streaming platform ITVX on Sunday, March 8 at 9pm, marking a significant programming shift for the network as it capitalizes on the show's controversial yet popular appeal.
