ITV in sponsorship double win with Sekonda and Hyundai
 

In a double win of new sponsorship contracts, ITV has secured programme sponsorship support from both Sekonda and Hyundai. One deal is for a 'one-off' showbiz special, the other covers a whole drama series.

Sekonda is to sponsor ITV1's forthcoming An Audience With Neil Diamond. On 31st May, legendary American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond takes centre stage in his own Audience with ... to celebrate an amazing showbusiness career that spans five decades. The musical veteran performs in front of a star-studded audience, singing some of his greatest hits including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin Rosie and Cherry Cherry. Diamond will also be showcasing some brand new material. The deal includes broadcast sponsorship on ITV1 and mobile interactive bumpers and was negotiated by Megan Keith at ITV and Richard Temple at John Ayling & Associates. Helen Campbell, Commercial Manager at Sekonda, said: "It was only befitting that when Neil Diamond, a part of music royalty for over twenty years, should come to the UK, Sekonda who celebrate their twentieth anniversary as the UK's leading watch brand should come together. History, virtues and the fact that both are household names made this an extremely befitting partnership. Memorable "As an artist who appeals to all from 17 to 70 this mirrors Sekonda's appeal across the board. We hope you will enjoy a memorable evening and look out for more collaborations. " The creative will be produced by Fin. Meanwhile Korean car manufacturer Hyundai is to sponsor ITV1's forthcoming Six Degrees. Six Degrees is a new drama series from J.J. Abrams and follows New Yorkers from all walks of life, whose lives unexpectedly become intertwined. In this hour-long   drama, six New Yorkers go about their lives without realising the impact they're having on one another. A mysterious web of coincidences will gradually draw the strangers closer, changing the course of their lives forever. The show stars Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Lights), Erika Christensen (Flightplan), Bridget Moynahan (Sex and the City), Dorian Missick (Lucky Number Slevin), Hope Davis (About Schmidt) and Campbell Scott (The Secret Lives of Dentists). Its Executive Producers are J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk (Lost, Alias), Stu Zicherman and Raven Metzner (Elektra) and it is produced by Touchstone Television. The deal includes broadcast sponsorship on ITV1 and mobile interactive bumpers and was negotiated by Emma Laurence at ITV and Danusia Michalik at Zenith. Creative for the series is being produced by VCCP.