ITV is to launch a new female-focused, free-to-air channel, called ITVBe, which will become the home of shows including The Only Way is Essex.

The new channel, which will focus on lifestyle and reality TV programming, will launch towards the end of this year and will be available on Freeview, Freesat,Sky and Virgin.

ITVBe will be targeted at a younger, female audience and will feature acquired programming such as the US Real Housewives.