BBC and ITV hope for new gameshow
Sunday, 26 Mar 2006 16:04
BBC and ITV hope for new gameshow
There has been one particular game show that has attracted more viewers than any other this year. And it's presented by a man that has been off our screens for nearly six years.
Yes, it's that Channel 4 cult favourite Deal Or No Deal, hosted by none other than Noel Edmonds.
The show has proved such a runaway success that BBC and ITV are now hoping to commission a successful game show format to rival it.
Executives have apparently been "astonished" by how popular the programme is with daytime viewers.
One insider told The People newspaper: "The bigwigs are going crazy. They haven't got anything to challenge it.
"ITV are furious because Channel 4 has poached Paul O'Grady. The BBC are desperate to find something. The race is on."
Launched in October, bosses have labelled the show a "break-out hit" and called Edmonds "the consummate TV talent."
The game show, which is essentially based on luck, is broadcast six days a week and regularly attracts audiences of at least four million.
Last week, Channel 4 gave Edmonds an 18-month extension to his contract to present the show.
