Middle East dives in for Celebrity Splash

Eyeworks has sold diving format Celebrity Splash to a Lebanon-based satellite channel, which will launch a pan-Middle Eastern version in May.

LBCI has commissioned and will produce a local adaptation of the format, which will air in the broadcaster’s home country, plus 23 other countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran.

The Dutch format is remains the focus of a legal dispute with Banijay, which alleges Eyeworks appears to use elements of its diving show, Stars in Danger.

However, local versions of Celebrity Splash have already launch in the UK on ITV, France (TF1) and Spain (Antena 3), with others set for the US (ABC), Australia (Seven Network), China (Zhejiang Satellite TV), Ukraine (1+1), Finland (Nelonen) and Argentina (Telefe). The original launched on the Netherlands’ SBS6.

“The drama and fun of the format has universal appeal and we are certain it will bring the network great ratings as it has already in the Netherlands, UK, France and most recently in Spain,” said Eyeworks International Distribution’s co-MD, Jeff Goldman.

“With Celebrity Splash, LBCI will continue to bring the best in global entertainment into Lebanon and the Middle East,” added Pierre El Daher, chairman, LBCI.