BBC3 ploughs extra investment into factual entertainment

BBC3 has announced the first two commissions to benefit from a recent boost in funding for the channel’s original output. They are BBC Studios’ Couples On The Couch and  Wall to Wall’s Glow Up.

BBC3 controller Damian Kavanagh (pictured), said: “When we announced that we were extending the focus of our commissioning on BBC Three, we wanted ideas that could bring a new dimension to the channel. Couples on the Couch promises to be a hugely relatable series because it will tackle universal themes for young people in relationships. Glow Up taps into a hugely popular market and has a competitive element to it that will get our audience talking.”

Alison Kirkham, controller, factual commissioning, added: “These are the beginning of an exciting time for factual entertainment on BBC Three, and we look forward to developing many more titles.”

Couples on the Couch (w/t) is a six-part series that looks at the pressures of modern relationships by following real-life couples as they bring their sexual and emotional issues to a specially rigged clinic. Glow Up (w/t), meanwhile, is an eight-part competition to look for the next big make-up star of tomorrow. Tapping into the huge online passion for extreme make-up transformations, the series will see a talented cast of hopefuls live and work together as they attempt to prove their potential to industry professionals.