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: Katy Manley

  1. 100 players, only one winner – ITV commissions brand new gameshow – 99 To Beat

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    ITV1 and ITVX has commissioned Initial (part of Banijay UK) – the production company behind Celebrity Big Brother, Big Brother, Soccer Aid and Tenable – to produce a brand-new gameshow, 99 to Beat.

    Already successful in seven countries with multiple series in Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Poland, 99 To Beat is the gameshow that anyone can win, but there’s one rule that players must follow if they’re to be in with a chance of walking away with the cash prize – Don’t. Come. Last.

    The eight-part series starts with 100 contestants, and viewers will follow as players go head-to-head in a range of visually distinctive and often hilarious games. After each round, the number of players is gradually whittled down, with only one person taking the top prize.

    Whether it’s trying to find a dummy hidden in a vat of jelly or putting on a frozen t-shirt, the only aim of the game is to not come last. If they do, they’re out.

    Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV said: “99 To Beat brings 100 people together to set upon this extraordinary game where there is really only one rule, Don’t Come Last. As the contestants compete they also form tight bonds and as they get to know each other, we get to see who plays well, who buckles under the pressure and who has lasting power.”

    Katy Manley, MD of Initial, said: “We are really excited about 99 To Beat. What’s brilliant about it is that anyone has a real shot at winning. Whether you’re 18 or 80, players don’t need to be experts in one particular skill. Winning is not important – it’s not coming last that counts! The human stories that sit alongside the gameplay will provide heart, humour and drama throughout.”

    99 To Beat is an Initial (part of Banijay UK) production for ITV. It was commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV and Kevin O’Brien, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment Commissioning ITV. Katy Manley is Executive Producer for Initial, alongside Paula Thomas.

    In a deal struck with Belgium distributor Primitives, Banijay represents the format in three English-language territories. 99 To Beat is a format developed by Belgium broadcaster VRT and production company De Chinezen.

  2. ITV confirms Celebrity Big Brother start date

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    The wait is almost over as ITV today revealed the hotly-anticipated star-studded new series of Celebrity Big Brother (produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK) will start on Monday 4th March at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player. 

    Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launchwill reveal the new cast of famous faces who are entering the iconic Big Brother house, as they embark on the ultimate social experiment and become isolated from the outside world.

    Leaving luxury behind, the celebrities will take part in nominations and tough tasks with cameras capturing their every move. Who will win the hearts of the nation, go all the way to the finish line and be crowned the winner?

    Celebrity Big Brother will be followed each night by Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live – giving viewers an additional hour of exclusive content. Airing on ITV2 and ITVX, Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will once again be the only place to watch the famous evictees first live interview alongside an array of unmissable exclusive features including access to the camera runs, special guest commentary and debate.

    The Celebrity Big Brother: Live Stream will also return to screens, airing seven nights a week on ITVX and STV Player, giving fans the opportunity to watch live footage into the small hours after Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live.

    Celebrity Big Brother is commissioned for ITV1, STV and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2 and ITVBe and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor. The return of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother was secured by leading entertainment and format producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe for Initial (part of the Banijay Group) marking their first of many format deal for the business since they joined in 2022. Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson.