Network Ten Orders Spelling Bee Show

SYDNEY: Network Ten has commissioned The Great Australian Spelling Bee, a new family entertainment series from Shine Australia.

The Great Australian Spelling Bee is slated for broadcast later in the year. Rick Maier, Network Ten's head of drama, worked with Shine Australia to develop the original format. A host for the program, which is currently in the casting process, will be announced soon.

Beverley McGarvey, Network Ten's chief programming officer, remarked: "The Great Australian Spelling Bee is an exciting, engaging new series and a perfect fit with our strategy of bringing event television to Australians.

"Surrounded by their friends and loved ones, we will see Australia's brightest young people put through their paces as they inspire and surprise us. And we will cheer them on."

"Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest," Maier said. "And the simplest ideas are the most exciting."

Mark Fennessy, the CEO of Shine Australia, added: "We are delighted to be bringing this original and exciting format to Ten. By super-sizing spelling to a hyper-stylized, entertainment family event, we'll present the universal art of problem solving on the grandest of scales.

"Viewers will be inspired and enthralled by Australia's most remarkable spellers among the jeopardy and drama of big event television. For these young people, everything is on the line."