Syco & Thames Team Up with BBC for Dance Talent Show

The BBC has commissioned Syco Entertainment and Thames (part of FremantleMedia UK) to produce a new Saturday night dance talent show, The Greatest Dancer.

The 8×1-hour entertainment series will feature a host of talent from across the world of dance—from ballet to jazz, hip hop to Bollywood—as they give the performances of their lives in hopes of being crowned the U.K.’s greatest dancer. The Greatest Dancer will be executive produced by Nigel Hall, global head of television at Syco Entertainment, and Amelia Brown, managing director of Thames TV.

Kate Phillips, controller of entertainment commissioning for the BBC, said: “With the continued success of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is undoubtedly the home of dance. By launching The Greatest Dancer we want to give the vast array of dance talent across the U.K. 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.”

Hall said: “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.”

Brown added: “The Greatest Dancer is such an exciting project and we’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring it to life for everyone at home. It’s a fantastic format full of warmth and heart with the pilot revealing some incredibly magical moments. It’s sure to make an unmissable Saturday night treat for the whole family to enjoy.”