BBC Entertainment re-affirms its commitment to the Nations
BBC Entertainment has re-affirmed its commitment to commissioning content from the Nations by announcing a raft of recommissions from independent production companies based across the UK.
Published: 7 January 2016
From a joyful celebration of a national icon, to the intelligence and wit of Insert Name Here and Only Connect via the emotion and jeopardy of 5 Star Family Reunion and Who Dares Wins, these commissions emphasize the BBC's commitment to production right across the UK.
Alan Tyler, Acting Controller of Entertainment Commissioning, says: “This group of commissions shows exactly what entertainment does best in marrying head and heart to deliver a real treat to a diverse audience. From a joyful celebration of a national icon, to the intelligence and wit of Insert Name Here and Only Connect via the emotion and jeopardy of 5 Star Family Reunion and Who Dares Wins, these commissions emphasize the BBC's commitment to production right across the UK.”
A second series of 5 Star Family Reunion has been commissioned for Saturdays on BBC One following a successful first series. The 8x60’ quiz show, which reunites families separated by time and distance, is hosted by Nick Knowles and is a co-production between 12 Yard Scotland in Glasgow and Boom Cymru in Cardiff. It will once again be produced and filmed in Scotland and will return to screens in 2016. The executive producers are Zoe Tait, Michael Mannes and Ronw Protheroe.
12 Yard Productions' Who Dares Wins will also return to BBC One for a further series of 13x50’ episodes. It will be produced and filmed in Glasgow and will be executive produced by Michael Mannes and Zoe Tait.
Parasol and RDF have secured a two-series deal to continue production of BBC Two's Only Connect. The super smart 30’ quiz fronted by Victoria Coren Mitchell will feature an expanded number of episodes, taking it to a 37 week annual run. The series will continue to be produced and filmed in Cardiff.
Green inc was also commissioned to produce The Many Faces of Ronnie Corbett for BBC Two that broadcast at Christmas. The 60’ programme was the latest commission for this continuing brand.
The Fiona Bruce-fronted quiz Hive Minds will return to BBC Four for a second series. The Green inc and Salt Beef co-production will have a 13x30’ run, to air on BBC Four in 2016. It will be shot in the BBC studios in Belfast. The executive producers are Stephen Stewart and Jeremy Salsby.
The brand new BBC Two entertainment show - Insert Name Here - to be fronted by Sue Perkins and featuring team captains Richard Osman and Josh Widdicombe will be co-produced by 12 Yard Scotland and Black Dog Media.
The shows were commissioned by Channel Controllers Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One; Kim Shillinglaw, Controller BBC Two and Four; and Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor BBC Four, with Acting Controller, Entertainment Commissioning, Alan Tyler.
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