Strictly Come Dancing turns into £20m money-spinner for BBC

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 28-Feb-05, 11:00

LONDON - The BBC has earned over £20m from selling its reality TV format 'Strictly Come Dancing' to countries around the world.

The show, which saw 'EastEnders' actress Jill Halfpenny foxtrot her way to victory in the UK's last series, has already been sold to Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Australia and New Zealand.

The corporation has been in talks for some time to take the show Stateside, although it is likely to take on a linedancing format, which would have greater appeal to US audiences.

Deals are also ready to be inked with Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and India.

The UK version of the show, which is presented by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly, regularly secured more than 8m viewers for the last series and tipped the 11m mark for the final between Halfpenny and athlete Denise Lewis.

The first series was won by BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky.

In Australia, the second series recently premiered on Channel 7 to a record-breaking 37% audience share and in Italy, 'Ballando con le Stelle' has achieved an audience share of over 30%.

The debut German, Belgian, Danish, Polish and New Zealand versions are currently in production.

BBC Worldwide maintains a strict trademark over the formula and is taking the show to programme fair BBC Showcase in Brighton this week to line up further buyers.

Colin Jarvis, BBC Worldwide's director of programmes and operations, said: "The reaction to the show from broadcasters and audiences around the world has been phenomenal and proves yet again the strength of the in-house format development team within BBC Entertainment."

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