Downton Abbey creator to pen Titanic mini-series

'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes is to pen a mini-series about the Titanic.

The Oscar-winning screenwriter - who enjoyed immense success with ITV1 period drama 'Downton Abbey' last year - is to create the big budget show to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the historic ship in April 2012.

Shown in four one-hour episodes, the drama will include a love story and will be told from the points of view of several different characters battling to survive as the ship sinks.

However, while romance will be the basis for the tale, bosses have promised the series will be different from the 1997 hit movie, which starred Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio

Maria Kyriacou, chief of ITV Studios Global Entertainment, said: "'Titanic' promises to be the must-see original drama for this landmark centenary. It will be gripping prime-time content."

'Titanic' will be filmed in Hungary in Europe's largest indoor water tank, with a detailed recreation of the ship erected in time for shooting.

Although no stars have yet been confirmed to appear in the mini-series, it is hoped Julian's involvement in the show will draw in the big names.

An insider added to The Sun newspaper: "With Julian Fellowes at the helm fresh from the success of 'Downton Abbey', the new series will be of huge interest around the world."