ITV1 is to broadcast a West Wing-style drama about the Royal Family.

The Palace will feature fictional Royals but the storylines will bear a resemblance to real life.

It will be made by Company Pictures, the production team behind Shameless and The Lakes.

They previously made award-winning royal drama Elizabeth I, starring Dame Helen Mirren.

ITV has commissioned eight hour-long episodes and the series will be broadcast next year.

No casting decisions have been made.

The series will take a similar approach to White House drama The West Wing.

The US show, starring Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet, won the best TV drama Emmy four years in a row. It ended last May after a seven-year run.