UK set for a Lip Sync Battle

UK commercial broadcaster Channel 5 has ordered a local version of Lip Sync Battle, the celebrity entertainment show that is on Spike in the US.

Spike and Channel 5 are both owned by Viacom and the US version of Lip Sync plays on the recently-launched Spike channel in the UK.

A full UK version of the show has now been ordered by Channel 5. Whizz Kid Entertainment will make the eight-part series.

The format is based on a segment in Jimmy Fallon’s US talkshow and was the first offering from his prodco Eight Million Plus.

Hosted by LL Cool J, it pits celebrities against each other as they lip sync to a song of their choice with the audience deciding the winner.

The UK version will launch in early 2016.

Channel 5 director of programmes Ben Frow said: “There is a great buzz around Lip Sync Battle – it’s one of the most talked-about and fought-over formats in the world of TV right now.

“We’re excited that our developing relationship with Spike in the U.S. has made a UK version of the show possible and look forward to bringing entertainment back to the heart of Channel 5 primetime.”

In the US, Spike has ordered a second season of Lip Sync.The first run was the most successful original show ever for Spike, averaging three million viewers.