Noel Edmonds fronts new C4 Swap format

Noel Edmonds, host of classic BBC kids series Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, is fronting a new Channel 4 auction format SOS (Sell or Swap).

The Deal or No Deal host is presenting the pilot, which is being recorded in Bristol, UK, next week.

The non TV pilot is being made by Crook Productions, which makes fact-ent shows including Real Hustle.

The UK prodco is part of Cats on the Roof Media, the production group formed by ex-Objective execs Andrew O’Connor, Paul Sandler, Matt Crook.

The latter runs Crook Productions, which is part of Cats on the Roof, and told TBI it was too early to comment on the format at this stage.

The broadcaster is not confirmed, but fact Cats on the Roof is backed by ITV Studios, which is likely to distribute the show if it is taken to series. ITVS has previously scored a major success distributing another Channel 4 entertainment show, Come Dine with Me, internationally.

The new swap show – described by one producer as ‘Swap Shop for adults’ – allows viewers to bid on a wide range of interesting and unusual items that are either for sale, or available for swap.

“Do you need to sell a WWII tank that you drunkenly bought on eBay?!,” reads the outline of the pilot. “Funny at the time but the next morning you had more than a hangover!! Sell it or swap it.”

Edmonds original Swap Shop series was on the BBC between 1976 and 1982, running to almost 150 episodes. In the Saturday morning live show people would arrange swaps of toys and kid friendly items via a live phone-in.