Challenge gets the fear down under

UK pay TV network Challenge is to revamp its schedule in the new year with new deals for action format Fear Factor and a number of classic British gameshows.

The Virgin Media owned broadcaster has acquired the Australian and South African versions of Fear Factor from Endemol.

Brad Wood, acquisitions executive at Challenge, told TBIvision that it wanted to be the home of the Fear Factor franchise in the UK. "Fear Factor Oz and South Africa were obvious pick-ups given the huge success of the US and UK series’ on Challenge. Both territories’ versions have yet to be broadcast in the UK, and are exclusive to Challenge," he said.

It has also picked up more classic gameshows including Ronnie Corbett’s Small Talk, and Take Your Pick with Des O’Connor from FremantleMedia and Wipeout featuring Paul Daniels from BBC Worldwide. "We’re really excited by these trio of launches, believing they will give daytime a much needed refresh, with the welcome introduction of some new, and much loved, faces to the channel," added Wood.

As well as a second season of Bellon Entertainment’s Ninja Warrior, Challenge is trialing Mentorn’s Britain’s Worst franchise, which previously aired on Bravo. Shows such as Britain‘s Worst…Driver and Britain‘s Worst…Celebrity Driver are a new direction for the channel.

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