UTV denies The Pulse set was inspired by Xpose
Utv Weathergirl Jenny Buckley pictured at The Irish premiere screening of Entourage at The Savoy Cinema, Dublin.
Karen Koster
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UTV Ireland have denied the set of their new showbiz bulletin The Pulse was inspired by TV3's Xpose.
The Pulse, which is fronted by Jenny Buckley, is a new three-minute entertainment bulletin on Fridays at 5.25pm.
The new slot started last week and TV insiders immediately pointed out the similar colour schemes of the sets, which are both white and red with a screen in the background.
A spokesperson for UTVI said their team looked at similar shows in other countries for inspiration.
"The Pulse set is a design which was created by our in-house creative team and we are delighted with the result," they said.
Inspiration
"In terms of set comparisons, the team looked to numerous international entertainment programme models for inspiration, and this is the design that was decided upon.
"We have received a huge amount of positive feedback from our viewers. We are extremely pleased with the response to the first show and look forward to building on this in the future," they added.
When asked about the similarities between the shows, a spokesperson for TV3 said it was "very flattering" that UTVI were hoping to replicate the success of Xpose.
"TV3's hour-long Xpose is one of TV3's most successful brands and the country's number one showbiz programme, having built up a loyal audience over the last eight years," they said.
"It's only natural that other broadcasters are going to want to replicate its success in some way. It's very flattering."
Shameless
However, TV insiders have said UTVI's set is "shamelessly" similar to Xpose, which is fronted by Peter O'Riordan, Aisling O'Loughlin, Lisa Cannon, Karen Koster (left) and Glenda Gilson.
"It's a bit shameless really. The set is very like that of Xpose. It's not very original," a source said.
"It's not surprising that they went for that style as it's worked well on TV3."
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