Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Banijay UK

  1. Kudos invests in Rem Conway’s Senti Films to supercharge West Midlands pipeline

    Comments Off on Kudos invests in Rem Conway’s Senti Films to supercharge West Midlands pipeline
    Kudos (part of Banijay UK), the leading producer behind world renowned shows including Peaky Blinders, House of Guinness and SAS Rogue Heroes, is further investing in its ambitions for a thriving West Midlands scripted production hub by backing Senti Films, the production company set up by Birmingham based writer/producer/director Rem Conway.
    Rem has been developing his own slate for TV, film, theatre and digital for several years, championing underrepresented, local voices and this deal will accelerate the growth of the business and will see Kudos coproduce with Senti Films on green lit scripted projects.
     
    Kudos have an established West Midlands base with Kudos Knight; the creative partnership launched in 2022 with preeminent writer Steven Knight and was the producer behind Knight’s RTS Best Drama winning series This Town. The partnership was established to generate a thriving drama production pipeline from the West Midlands, to nurture local talent and to invest in skills and training for the area. Rem Conway joined Kudos Knight as Development Producer in 2023 and will continue in this role alongside developing his own projects under Senti Films.
    Martin Haines, Co MD, Kudos said: “Rem is a hugely talented producer, who is doing brilliant work in developing Kudos Knight’s slate, and we want to simultaneously support his own creative ambitions in the region. We see Rem’s work with Senti as complementary to the ambitions of Kudos Knight and a positive development for the creative industries in the West Midlands.  We are excited to see how his slate develops.”
    Rem Conway added; “I’m ridiculously excited about this partnership. Senti was built to offer a creative home to talent where they are genuinely trusted, backed and given the freedom to be ambitious. Too often, I’ve witnessed incredible voices held back by a lack of access and long-term support, and we all so desperately want to see a more inclusive industry. Senti Films exists to actively push that change forward. Having Kudos on board is a huge vote of confidence, giving us the backing to think bigger, move faster, grow our slate and build something bold that can innovate the mainstream – and the cherry on the cake is that it’ll all be done from Brum!”
    Senti Films already has a project in funded development with a major broadcaster with other ideas gaining early tractions.
    A Birmingham native, Rem began his career in theatre production before making the transition to film and TV. A writer, producer and director, his production credits prior to joining Kudos Knight include Netflix’s Sex Education, BBC’s My Name is Leon, ITV’s Our House and ITV/Amazon’s Riches.

  2. ITV YouTube Sales Expands Content Offering through Partnership with Banijay Rights & Banijay UK

    Comments Off on ITV YouTube Sales Expands Content Offering through Partnership with Banijay Rights & Banijay UK

    ITV today announces a new partnership with Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, and its UK production group, Banijay UK, creating a significant expansion of ITV’s YouTube sales offering.

    ITV YouTube Sales team will now represent world-class shows from Banijay Rights, giving brands the opportunity to buy advertising around even more premium, broadcast-quality content on YouTube.

    This expanded portfolio includes some of the most recognisable titles on UK television including Banijay UK-produced Would I Lie To You?, MasterChef, Peaky Blinders, SAS: Rogue Heroes, Location Location Location and One Born Every Minute, alongside third-party shows distributed by Banijay Rights, including Jimmy Carr’s stand-up and Mythbusters.

    ITV and YouTube announced a strategic partnership in December 2024 which saw ITV’s commercial team selling the full range of advertising opportunities, including content both made by ITV Studios and commissioned by ITV.

    This new announcement builds on ITV’s existing YouTube network which, in 2025, saw UK views grow by 51% and total ad impressions grow 35% year on year. The deal also complements Banijay Rights’ existing large-scale YouTube channel network, which last year amassed over 10 billion views for global brands including Mr Bean and The Osbournes.

    Ben Allen, ITV Director of Commercial Strategy and Trading, said: “This partnership with Banijay both builds on ITV’s successful commercial growth on YouTube and paves the way for further development for ITV acting as a sales house in the YouTube space, partnering with select premium content which maintains broadcast quality and standards.”

    Abul Noor, Head of YouTube Sales at ITV, added: “For advertisers, this new partnership means they can benefit from  scaled access to highly curated, broadcast quality, brand-safe content from both ITV and Banijay and I’m excited to offer this to the range of quality brands that we work with.”

    Shaun Keeble, VP Digital at Banijay Rights, said: “Our forward-facing approach to YouTube monetisation across our stand-out content and creators will only continue to expand with this new partnership with ITV. After a decade of growth, our YouTube footprint reached new heights in 2025, and this deal will continue to drive momentum in the UK this year.”

    Sarb Niijer, Chief Operating Officer, Banijay UK, added: “We are working hard to ensure that our content is available where the audience want to watch and YouTube is a major part of this strategy. This partnership with ITV Sales, who understand the power of premium content to brands regardless of the platform, is an important step.”

    The partnership further bolsters Banijay Entertainment’s wider efforts spanning YouTube, which include its Creators Lab initiative in France, launch of FCF – a creator-led football team in the Netherlands and its ongoing management of standout, talent-led YouTube channels for the likes of Mr Bean and Jimmy Carr.

  3. Banijay Rights Dresses Up with Blues Group for Benidorm Licensing Deal

    Comments Off on Banijay Rights Dresses Up with Blues Group for Benidorm Licensing Deal

    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces a new licensing agreement with apparel specialists Blues Group for a branded dress-up line inspired by award-winning comedy series Benidorm.

    Under the deal, the beloved spirit of the iconic Brits abroad comedy will be brought to life through a range of adult fancy-dress costumes and accessories bursting with fun and humour. Launching in early 2026, the collection will roll-out across retailers in the UK and Eire and includes attire based on fan-favourite characters such as Kenneth and Lesley. A selection of Solana Hotel-inspired group outfits complete with lanyards, name badges and wigs also feature.

    The agreement was negotiated by Leila Loumi, SVP Licensing and Merchandising, Banijay Rights, who said: “Benidorm can only be described as one of UK television’s national treasures, bringing laughter to millions with its iconic humour and unforgettable characters. This deal gives fans a new way to relive that joy – in the form of colourful, cheeky costumes that capture the fun and sprit of the series.”

    Christina Cockill, Senior Account Manager, Blues Group, added: “As a die-hard Benidorm fan who’s watched the show far too many times, it’s been an absolute joy working with Leila Loumi and the Banijay Rights team to bring our ideas to life. With such a huge fan base, we saw a clear gap in the market for merchandise — and what better place to start than with some fun fancy dress costumes? I think all we need now is a team trip to the Solana to showcase the range!”

    Produced by Tiger Aspect (part of Banijay UK) for ITV, Benidorm is the award-winning comedy series set in the vibrant Spanish resort town of the same name. The show follows a diverse group of holidaymakers and staff at the all-inclusive Solana Hotel, where sun, sangria, and outrageous antics are always on the menu. From eccentric families and quirky pensioners to flirtatious singles and chaotic hotel employees, each episode delivers a mix of slapstick humour, heartfelt moments, and satirical takes on British holiday culture.

  4. The Forge reshapes leadership team

    Comments Off on The Forge reshapes leadership team

    Leading UK scripted producer The Forge (part of Banijay UK), the highly respected business behind multi award winning shows including Help, National Treasure, Ackley Bridge, Shardlake and The Buccaneers has reorganised its senior team going into 2026.

    Founder and Managing Director of 10 years, George Faber, takes up the newly created role of Executive Chairman, continuing to executive produce both new and existing projects and advising on the creative and commercial strategy of the business.

    Executive Producers Beth Willis and George Ormond step up to become Co-Managing Directors, responsible for running the business, setting its strategic direction and driving an ambitious programming slate working with leading and upcoming writers.

    The Forge has an impressive order book  of upcoming shows which includes A Woman or Substance starring Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds for Channel 4, Jack Thorne’s new six part series Falling starring Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu  for Channel 4, The Buccaneers with Christina Hendricks and Kristine Froseth for Apple TV +, currently in production for a third season, plus a new returning series and a limited series for a major broadcaster yet to be announced.

    The business also has a stellar catalogue of multi award winning titles built over the past 10 years including Jack Thorne’s National Treasure, Help and Kiri for Channel 4, Anya Reiss’s Becoming Elizabeth for Starz, Stephen Butchard’s Shardlake for Disney +, Ayub Khan Din’s Ackley Bridge for C4, Peter Moffat’s The Last Post and David Hare’s Collateral and Roadkill, for the BBC.

    In addition, Producers Jade Taylor and Joe Innes have been promoted to Executive Producer roles. They join Executive Producer and Head of Business Affairs at The Forge Mark Pybus. Jade was previously Producer on Ackley Bridge Series 5 for Channel 4 and most recently on Just Act Normal for BBC3. Joe has worked on The Buccaneers for Apple TV+ since its inception, Series Producing the second series and Exec Producing alongside Beth and Katherine Jakeways on the third.

    Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland said; “We’ve loved working with The Forge over the past few years since they joined Banijay UK. George Faber is a major figure in the world of scripted television, someone who has not only been responsible for a stream of fantastic shows but also helped to shape and grow the UK drama industry, most recently through the genesis of this terrific production company. In Beth Willis and George Ormond, The Forge has two formidable creative leaders to take the reins with George Faber still very much in the business as executive producer, sage and consultant. I can’t wait to see the next chapter of the development of this brilliant team under this new leadership structure.’

    George Faber said; “It’s been a privilege to lead The Forge from its inception for its first decade. I’m immensely proud of the quality and diversity of our dramas and of the extraordinary talent we’ve had the honour to work with. I know the company will continue to flourish under the new leadership of George and Beth and I’m delighted to be continuing my close association with the team.”

    Beth Willis added; “George Faber put something very special in The Forge’s DNA – an infectious creativity and passion for great storytelling flows through it and all the talented people who work there. It’s a privilege to work alongside the brilliant George Ormond and Mark Pybus – and with Joe Innes and Jade Taylor stepping up to executive produce, I couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

    George Ormond added; “From our beginnings in single room office with Patisserie Valerie as our meeting room to where we are now, working with George, Mark and Beth to build The Forge over the last decade has been a thrilling experience made hugely enjoyable by our shared creative ambition.  We are just as ambitious for the next decade and I’m looking forward to it being just as much fun as the last.”

    George Faber set up The Forge in 2014 following 15years at Company Pictures which he co founded with Charlie Pattinson in 1998 and where he was responsible for shows including Shameless, Skins, Wild at Heart and Inspector George Gently. Before that George was Head of Single Drama at the BBC.

    Under George’s leadership The Forge has quickly grown to become a preeminent drama producer in the UK, synonymous with high quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama. The Forge is home to the industry’s brightest names, showcasing the very best on-screen talent and collaborating with leading writers including Jack Thorne, Anya Reiss, Stefan Golaszewski, Katherine Jakeways, Ayub Khan Din, Ben Wheatley, David Hare, Peter Moffat, Levi David Addai, Janice Okoh and Stephen Butchard and many more.

  5. Banijay Branded Entertainment Announces Development Deal with Aidy Smith

    Comments Off on Banijay Branded Entertainment Announces Development Deal with Aidy Smith

    Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE), part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today confirms a development collaboration between global presenter and producer Aidy Smith, and award-winning production company Electric Robin (part of Banijay UK).

    The deal will see the creation of formats, developed in partnership between Electric Robin and Aidy Smith, who will also serve as Executive Producer. The formats will span both branded and non-branded entertainment projects designed to engage audiences through innovative storytelling and dynamic brand integration.

    Aidy Smith is an award-winning TV presenter, producer and journalist, known for his dynamic storytelling and commitment to inclusivity. Over the years, he has become a recognised voice in the worlds of food and drink, mixology, travel, LGBTQ+ representation, and neurodivergence through his TV shows, radio segments, documentaries, and written columns. He is the co-creator and presenter of The Three Drinkers on Amazon Prime, which airs in 172 countries, and a regular contributor to The Independent and BBC Radio London. In addition to his media work, Smith serves as Global Ambassador for both the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and the Tourette Association. As the world’s only global TV presenter with Tourette Syndrome, and through his lived experiences of ADHD and dyslexia, Smith is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent communities. Using his platform and profile, he continues to raise vital awareness, promote acceptance, and champion lasting change.

    Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Global Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, Banijay Entertainment says: “Aidy is widely recognised for his work across television and digital platforms, bringing a unique creative vision and deep understanding of audience engagement. Combined with Electric Robin’s extensive production expertise and proven success in brand partnerships, this collaboration is primed to deliver standout formats that resonate with audiences and clients alike.”

    Ross Brandon, Co-Founder Electric Robin comments: “Aidy’s breadth of experience and industry recognition make him an exceptional creative partner. His deep-rooted connections within the food, drinks and travel sectors, combined with a proven ability to craft compelling, inclusive narratives, will not only unlock access to leading brands and market players, but also pave the way for strategic collaborations with consumer-focused partners seeking authentic engagement.”

    Aidy Smith adds: “Partnering with Banijay Entertainment is more than a career milestone. It’s a meaningful leap for neurodivergent representation both in front of and behind the camera. For years, Tourette Syndrome has been pushed to the margins by a lack of faith in our potential. I have spent nearly a decade proving the opposite, creating work that is inclusive, entertaining and commercially strong. Working side by side with Electric Robin and Banijay Entertainment, who have consistently been global leaders in elevating underrepresented voices, I could not be more excited about what we will achieve together. For anyone who was told film or TV was not for them due to their neurodivergence or disability, let this be a reminder of just how capable we are, and how we don’t just belong in this space, we are meant to lead it.”

    BBE provides centralised support for Banijay Entertainment’s teams creating branded content around the world. Recent successes from Electric Robin include Dare To Defy (Nissan for Prime Video), The World Cook(TUI for Prime Video), and Jeremy Pang’s Hong Kong Kitchen (Hong Kong Tourism Board for ITV).

  6. Workerbee signs development deal with leading sports agency YRDS

    Comments Off on Workerbee signs development deal with leading sports agency YRDS

    Workerbee (part of Banijay UK) has signed a deal with leading sports marketing, partnership and talent agency YRDS to develop TV and digital projects in the sports space.

    With the appetite for sports programming buoyant, and having had huge success with sports programming including The New Generation (Amazon Prime), Four Kings (Amazon Prime), Bruno V Tyson (Sky), That Peter Crouch Film (Amazon Prime), Save Our Beautiful Game (Discovery Plus), this deal aims to broaden relationships with leading sporting talent as Workerbee continues to develop sports programming ideas for TV and digital platforms.

    Co-Founded in 2023 by Daniel Underwood, Jono Yates and Stefan Wesson, YRDS is a fast-growing sports marketing agency established to work with elite sporting talent, brands and rights holders to help meet their creative and commercial potential.

    Each brings a wealth of experience in building brands, commercialising IP and managing talent. Prior to YRDS Daniel has a background in brand marketing and comms from senior positions at Vodafone UK and Matchroom Boxing; Jono played a pivotal role in scaling LADbible and then moved onto RedBull, plus is a content creator himself as the man behind leading UK food channel OnlyScrans, finally Stefan is the commercial agent for boxer Chris Eubank Jnr and has worked for the Premier League.

    Workerbee and YRDS have already worked together on England’s Lions: The New Generation (Amazon Prime).

    Rick Murray, CEO Workerbee Group said: “Working with top sports talent is a key part of our development strategy so we’re delighted to partner up with Dan and the team to focus on building better connections with athletes so we can take the calibre of our storytelling to the next level. It will no doubt lead to a slate of exciting new projects.”

    Daniel Underwood, CEO YRDS said: “We are thrilled to form this strategic partnership with the world’s leading content producer in Banijay UK, to unlock more of the great untold stories in sport. Now more than ever is there a demand from fans to learn more about their icons as well as, discover and be entertained by new ones. Together we will bring these to life and continue to place the athletes at the heart of what we do.”

  7. FIRST LOOK images released for Bergerac Series 2 on U and U&DRAMA

    Comments Off on FIRST LOOK images released for Bergerac Series 2 on U and U&DRAMA

    As filming wraps on the highly anticipated second series of Bergerac (6×60’), UKTV today unveils a selection of first look images showcasing a glimpse of the Jersey locations and the new cast members joining the original ensemble. Following its record-breaking debut earlier this year, the hit U&Original drama, produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, in collaboration with Jersey-based Westward Studios and with support from Visit Jersey, is set to make a triumphant return to U and U&DRAMA in 2026.

    Damien Molony (The Split, Brassic, Crashing) returns as the complex Jim Bergerac – a brilliant detective grappling with life as a recovering alcoholic and widower. He is joined once again by Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) as Charlie Hungerford, Robert Gilbert (Big Boys, Killing Eve) as Barney Crozier, and Chloé Sweetlove (The Crow Girl, My Husband’s Double Life) as Kim Bergerac.

    New cast members include Adrian Edmondson (Rain Dogs, A Spy Among Friends) as Nigel, a charming new presence in Charlie’s life, and Lesley Sharp (Red Eye, Before We Die) as Monica, mother to Michael played by Turlough Convery (Sanditon, Killing Eve) and Nicola played by Camilla Beeput (The Tower, Hijack).

    Series two will see Jim Bergerac (Molony) starting to put his life back together, while his mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford (Wanamaker) has a new man in her life. Jim’s even tentatively dating, with Kim’s (Sweetlove) encouragement, although it’s a big step for him. But then he meets Nicola (Beeput), a visitor to Jersey, and they connect. Could this be the start of something for Jim?

    However, before the relationship even has time to blossom, Jim is pulled back into his next big case. When the groom at a wedding reception on the island is found murdered in his hotel room, the wedding party comes under intense suspicion and scrutiny. Jim will have to decipher the victim’s cryptic last words from his speech if he is ever going to bring the killer to justice. And when Jim starts to unravel old secrets, more skeletons come to light, making this his most intricate case yet.

    Written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Ashley Sanders, Emilie Robson, Faebian Averies and Brian Fillis, the series continues to reimagine the iconic 80s detective drama with a contemporary, character-led mystery that unfolds across all six episodes.

    Bergerac has been commissioned by Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning, and ordered by Emma Tibbetts, director of programming, scripted and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning for UKTV. Executive producers for BlackLight TV (part of Banijay UK) are Ben Bickerton, Philip Trethowan and Toby Whithouse. Brian Constantine and James Ahier are executive producers for Westward Studios and Helen Perry will be executive producer for UKTV.

    Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series, with Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, also as executive producer.

    Bergerac will return to U and U&DRAMA in 2026. Stream all episodes of the previous series for free on U.

  8. New Landmark Channel 4 Documentary Series Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention

    Comments Off on New Landmark Channel 4 Documentary Series Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention

    Channel 4 today announces Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, an observational documentary series that will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention.

    The 3 x 60-minute brand-funded series, produced by Dragonfly North (part of Banijay UK) from its Manchester base, is a new collaboration with Cancer Research UK that will take viewers inside what has been described as the “Golden Age of cancer research.”

    It will follow Professor Sarah Blagden, who is developing a groundbreaking lung cancer prevention vaccine in what she calls a “once in a generation opportunity,” neurosurgeon and scientist Associate Professor Richard Mair, who treats patients with hard-to-treat brain cancers, and Professor Caroline Dive, who is working on blood tests to detect cancer before it shows up on a scan.

    As well as following patients and families undergoing life-saving treatments, the series will also explore the personal backstories and motivations that drive these world-class scientists.

    Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said:

    “Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures shines a light on the groundbreaking scientific research currently taking place to detect, prevent and treat cancer. It has been great to partner with Dragonfly and Cancer Research UK on this series and see these amazing scientists at work, as they make amazing breakthroughs already benefitting patients in ways that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.”

    Will Rowson, Co-Creative Director at Dragonfly, said:

    “This has been a fascinating and eye-opening series to make. We’re enormously grateful to the scientists who have let us into their worlds, to the wonderful hospitals doing extraordinary work and of course to the very special people who have shared their cancer journeys with us.”

    Phil Almond, Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement at Cancer Research UK said:

    “This series offers a powerful glimpse into the future of cancer research – a future where more people live longer, better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. It shows how breakthroughs are already changing lives and highlights the people behind them. We’re especially thankful to the scientists, clinicians and patients who shared their stories. Their openness and experiences bring home what progress really means for those affected by cancer.”

    Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures was produced by Dragonfly North, Developed and Executive Produced by both Will Rowson and Paul Windle, Series Director was Nick Shaw and the Series Producer was Valerie Mellon. Director of Production and Operations Alison Seymour, Production Executive Isabelle Burn, Production Manager Rachael Fish, Legal and Business Affairs Nina Evans. Post Production by Home Post Production. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual.

  9. Richard Gadd’s Half Man sent worldwide by Banijay Rights

    Comments Off on Richard Gadd’s Half Man sent worldwide by Banijay Rights

    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces international sales for major new BBC and HBO scripted series Half Man as MIPCOM 2025 draws to a close in Cannes this week.

    In deals negotiated across the Banijay Rights global sales team, the six-part series has been acquired by Stan in Australia and Bell Media’s Crave in Canada, following previously announced sales to HBO Max in Latin America and across a major European footprint, in addition to the co-production with HBO Max in the US.

    Produced by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) for the BBC, BBC Scotland and HBO, Half Man stars Gadd and BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocket Man) as ‘brothers’ Ruben and Niall respectively. Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, the series explores the highs and lows of Ruben and Niall’s relationship, from meeting them as troubled teenagers to witnessing their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way. Set to air in 2026, the series will capture the wild energy of a changing city – a changing world, even – and plumb the depths of what it means to be a man.

    Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “Half Man is a bold and powerful new drama that exemplifies the very best storytelling and creative talent on our MIPCOM slate. These latest deals represent the incredible early demand for Richard Gadd’s highly anticipated series and we’re excited to extend its reach across new international markets.”

     

    Patrick Holland – Mam Tor Productions / Executive Chairman Banijay UK, said: “We are thrilled by the international excitement around Richard Gadd’s new series from Mam Tor Productions.  He is an exceptional talent and Cathy Payne and her team at Banijay Rights have been phenomenal partners. We can’t wait to unleash Niall and Ruben on the world!”

    Half Man was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, and was produced in partnership with HBO. The series is created, written and executive produced by Gadd. Executive producers are Sophie Gardiner and Anna O’Malley and the series is directed by Alexandra Brodski (Somewhere Boy, Rivals) and Eshref Reybrouck (Ferry: The Series, Cheyenne & Lola). Executive producers for Mam Tor Productions are Tally Garner and Morven Reid, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.

    Starring in the series are Neve McIntosh (Tin Star, Chemistry of Death) as Niall’s mother Lori and Marianne McIvor (Screw, The Nest) as Ruben’s mother Maura, with Mitchell Robertson (Curfew, Mayflies) and Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, The Winter King) playing Niall (Robertson) and Ruben (Campbell) in their younger years. Rounding out the cast for Half Man are Charlie De Melo (Rivals), Bilal Hasna (The Agency), Julie Cullen (Traces), Amy Manson (The Nevers), Anjli Mohindra (The Lazarus Project), Tim Downie (Outlander), Tom Andrews (Feel Good), Philippine Velge (The Serpent Queen), Stuart McQuarrie (The Rig), Piers Ewart (The Primrose Railway Children), Scot Greenan (T2 Trainspotting), and newcomers Charlotte Blackwood and Calum Manchip.

    Banijay Rights handles international distribution for Half Man outside of BBC and HBO rights. The series is supported by Screen Scotland.

    Half Man is one of several scripted highlights on Banijay Entertainment’s slate for MIPCOM 2025, which includes love story Falling from writer Jack Thorne (Adolescence), and the re-imagining of iconic TV series, A Woman of Substance, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s best-selling novel. Both series are produced by The Forge Entertainment (a Banijay UK company) for Channel 4. Banijay Entertainment is exhibiting at C.20 at MIPCOM.

  10. S4C GREENLIGHTS SECOND SEASON OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED THRILLER CLEDDAU (THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY)

    Comments Off on S4C GREENLIGHTS SECOND SEASON OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED THRILLER CLEDDAU (THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY)

    S4C has commissioned a second season of the critically acclaimed psychological thriller Cleddau (The One That Got Away). Filming will begin in the Autumn, with the new series set to air on the Channel in 2026.

    The emotionally charged drama is once again produced by Blacklight (part of Banijay UK)  and distributed globally by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment. The production is supported by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.

    Season one introduced audiences to DI Ffion Lloyd (Elen Rhys) and DS Rick Sheldon (Richard Harrington), ex-lovers forced to work together to solve the murder of a nurse in a quiet Welsh coastal town – an investigation that unearthed dark secrets from the past with devastating consequences.

    Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files) and Richard Harrington (Hinterland) will reprise their roles in Season two, which follows another complex, twisted and nail-biting case. When a body is discovered in Cleddau River the team suspect a killer is stealing identities and luring women to their deaths through a dating website – one that Ffion herself has been using as she tries to move on from Rick, despite the fact he is now separated and single…

    Season One of Cleddau/The One that Got Away, premiered to strong ratings, and has become the channel’s #1 show of 2025. It was also a smash hit on BBC4 228% above BBC4’s slot average.

    The Telegraph described Cleddau as “reminiscent of earlier Welsh noir series like Hinterland” highlighting its atmospheric depiction of West Wales and the nuanced performances of its lead actors.

    The Guardian hailed the series as “an irresistible treat for thriller fans,” praising its mature handling of character relationships and the deft balance between psychological drama and crime thriller.

    The series is created and written by Catherine Tregenna, whose writing credits include Three Pines, Law & Order: UK, Lewis, DCI Banks, and The Bench.

    Gwenllian Gravelle is head of Drama at S4C and says:  “Cleddau struck a powerful chord with audiences in both Welsh and English. It’s a gripping and emotionally intelligent series that showcases the very best of Welsh talent, both on and off screen. We are thrilled to bring the story back for a second season and deepen the world that Cath Tregenna has so brilliantly created.”

    Banijay Rights handles distribution for an English language version – The One That Got Away – for international audiences.

  11. Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions strike Inbetweeners deal Agreement paves way for the return of the iconic brand

    Comments Off on Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions strike Inbetweeners deal Agreement paves way for the return of the iconic brand

    Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions, the company founded in 2015 by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, writers and creators of The Inbetweeners, have struck an agreement which paves the way for the return of the hit comedy title.

    The coming-of-age sitcom was originally broadcast on E4 between 2008 and 2010. It followed the misadventures of suburban teenager Will MacKenzie and his friends Simon Cooper, Neil Sutherland and Jay Cartwright at the fictional Rudge Park Comprehensive as they navigated school life, friendship, male bonding, lad culture and failed sexual encounters.

    Over three series it set new ratings records for the channel and won multiple awards.  Two hugely successful movies followed, released in 2011 and 2014 respectively. The first went straight in at No.1 in the box office and set a record for the biggest opening weekend for a UK comedy at the time of its release with the sequel also breaking box office records.

    Made by Bwark Productions, the original company founded by Iain and Damon, which later sold to Zodiak Media (acquired by Banijay in 2016), this deal unlocks the rights and the potential to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a range of platforms including film, tv and stage.

    Jonathan Blyth, Managing Director, Fudge Park; “We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with Banijay who share our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic comedies in British history.  This is a wonderful moment for fans, there are exciting conversations afoot and more news to follow….”

    Damon Beesley/ Iain Morris added;

    “Incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh friends).”

    Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK;

    “I have worked with Damon and Iain on a number of Fudge Park projects over the years and was delighted to pick up the conversation about the future of The Inbetweeners with them. They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audience old and new so I can’t wait to get going.”

    Banijay Rights are distributors of The Inbetweeners.

  12. Sky Reveals the Woman Behind The GC with new series, Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby (w/t)

    Comments Off on Sky Reveals the Woman Behind The GC with new series, Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby (w/t)

    Sky has teamed up with Gemma Collins for a brand-new series pulling back the curtain on her life as she enters a pivotal chapter: the road to marriage and motherhood.

    This is the Gemma you haven’t seen before. The eight-part series produced by Navybee joins Gemma behind the scenes of her daily life for the next year, from glamorous events to quiet moments at home as she juggles a blended family, planning the wedding she’s always dreamed of and hopefully having a much longed-for baby of her own through IVF.

    Best known for her magnetic personality and headline-making career, Gemma Collins is ready to take off the GC mask and show us the woman behind the persona, opening up for the first time on how her past has shaped the woman she’s become. She’ll share her hopes for a future as a mother, and the highs and lows of love, commitment, and the strength it takes to keep going under public scrutiny. This is a rare and unfiltered look at a woman embracing vulnerability, chasing hope and redefining happiness on her own terms.

    Gemma Collins said: “This really is the most important year of my life, and for the first time people will get to see the Gemma behind the GC. Over the next year I will be planning my wedding and beginning the steps into starting a family.

    “I’ve always felt natural in front of the cameras, but now I want to let the world see the real raw me sharing the most intimate and personal times in my life. I feel ready to truly open up, not just about the present, but about my past and everything I’ve been through to become the woman I am today.

    “I feel truly blessed and excited for everyone to come with me on this new chapter of my life.”

    Demi Doyle, Creative Director, Navybee (part of Banijay UK), said: “Over the years I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Gemma beyond the headlines and the glamour, and I’ve come to love her for her honesty, humour and heart. This brand new series will capture her at her most real and most vulnerable, as she steps into the biggest chapter of her life yet. We couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with her.”

    Shirley Jones, Commissioning Editor, Sky said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Gemma on such an intimate and emotional journey. Audiences know her for her humour and sparkling personality, but this show will reveal a more personal side as she plans her wedding and embarks on the journey to start a family. It promises to be compelling, relatable, heartfelt, surprising, and of course, full of Gemma’s inimitable energy.”

    Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby (w/t) is coming to Sky Max and streaming service NOW next year

    Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby (w/t) is a Navybee production for Sky Max. The Creative Director for Navybee (part of Banijay UK) is Demi Doyle. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Shirley Jones.