Simon Cowell and his entertainment company Syco are partnering with the BBC to produce a new Saturday night dance talent show.
The BBC has commissioned Syco Entertainment and Thames (part of FremantleMedia UK) to produce the programme, marking Syco’s first venture into public service broadcasting and the first production between both companies and the BBC.
The Greatest Dancer, an 8 x 60 minute entertainment series, will feature a host of talent from across the world of dance in the search for the UK’s Greatest Dancer. It will be executive produced by Nigel Hall, global head of television, Syco Entertainment, and Amelia Brown, managing director, Thames TV.
The series has been commissioned for BBC One by Charlotte Moore, director BBC content, and Kate Phillips, controller entertainment commissioning. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Kalpna Patel-Knight.
“With the continued success of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is undoubtedly the home of dance,” said Phillips. “By launching The Greatest Dancer we want to give the vast array of dance talent across the UK the chance to shine. I can’t wait to work with Syco and Thames to uncover the talent out there and let our audience critique and celebrate the nation’s unsung dance heroes.”
Nigel Hall, global head of television for Syco, added: “The auditions for the pilot episode saw some of the most jaw dropping, heartfelt and moving auditions I’ve ever seen on a dance show. There are some spectacular moments and we are beyond thrilled to have secured this commission over fierce competition. We look forward to working with the BBC team on something just a little bit special.”
