Channel 4 commissions second run of acclaimed series The Undateables

Channel 4's Factual Entertainment department has commissioned a second run of critically acclaimed series The Undateables from producers, Betty.

The first series, which followed the journeys of several extraordinary singletons as they entered the dating circuit in pursuit of love, averaged 3.2 million viewers - making it one of Channel 4's highest rating shows of the year to date.

From a stand-up comedian with Tourette's to a media student with Down's Syndrome and a trapeze artist with brittle bones disease, The Undateables followed a variety of people who felt that their ability to form relationships was affected by a disability or challenging condition.

The series was praised by viewers, TV critics and charities for its warm and accurate portrayal of the lives of the contributors who featured. "The Undateables was kindly, thoughtful and full of inadvertent comedy.... Beautifully done" said The Guardian's Lucy Mangan.

Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt, said: "The Undateables was Channel 4 at its best - compelling public service television that engaged an audience and changed attitudes. I am looking forward to it returning for a second series." 

Channel 4's Disability Executive, Alison Walsh, said: "Finding ways to engage mass audiences with disability is a vital Channel 4 mission, and the first series of The Undateables was a masterclass in how to achieve this, opening eyes and minds to disability issues through an entertaining, honest and touching show about a universal theme - our search for love. This is turning into Channel 4's most important year yet for disability, as we aim to bring those same qualities - entertainment, honesty and emotion - to our coverage of the London 2012 Paralympics."

Betty Chief Executive, Liz Warner, said: "The Undateables has really touched a nerve with the audience.  It shows that television can be a force for good and can deliver that rare combination of ratings and reputation.  This series has Betty DNA in it and has been a really life affirming series to make."

The 4 x 60 series has been commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Factual Entertainment Liam Humphreys and Commissioning Editor Lucy Leveugle and will air in 2013.