FYI preps trip to Downton Shabby

US cable net FYI will debut a new home renovation series next month, Downton Shabby.

Playing on the title Downton Abbey, the series will swap the English country home setting of the hit British period drama, and instead follow renovation and design experts, Frank and Sherry Fontana.

The couple will travel across the US making over shabby older homes, valuing them before and after. A human element is added as the homeowners remain in situ as the renovations take place.

FYI, is part of the A+E stable of channels, and targets women with a lifestyle-led programming line-up. The net, previously known as Bio, is run by Jana Bennett.

It has given the series a 9pm slot for its Sunday launch on October 15. The rest of the 8x60mins series will go out on subsequent Saturdays in a 9pm slot.

3 Ball Entertainment, formerly Eyeworks USA, will make the series. A+E International is expected to handle international format and tape sales.