BBC Studios Takes Mettlemouse Entertainment Stake

BBC Studios has picked up a 25 percent stake in Mettlemouse Entertainment, the new unscripted formats indie set up by former Lime Pictures exec Sarah Tyekiff.

Tyekiff was previously head of unscripted at Lime Pictures, working on properties like TOWIE, Geordie Shore and Celebs Go Dating, and an executive producer at ITV, where her credits included Love Island and Simon Cowell’s Red or Black. With the deal, BBC Studios will have a first look on global distribution and format rights to Mettlemouse Entertainment shows.

Joining Tyekiff at Mettlemouse is Shaun Parry, former chief creative officer at Youngest Media, as creative director. His credits include Moneybags, Million Pound Menu and Bromans. At Endemol Shine, he co-created Pointless and Almost Impossible Gameshow.

Emma Hardie, commercial director for international production and formats at BBC Studios, said: “Sarah has been behind some of the U.K.’s most successful entertainment and prime-time reality formats. She is building a formidable team around her and we are delighted to be partnering with Mettlemouse Entertainment to bring their exciting, creative ideas to U.K. and global audiences.”

Matt Forde, managing director of international production and formats at BBC Studios, added: “We look forward to partnering with Sarah, who has proven success in the U.S. as well as the U.K. and we could not be happier to be working with Shaun again. Their creative direction and ambition strongly aligns with BBC Studios in creating the next generation of unscripted formats.”

Tyekiff added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios. With their track record of managing international hits, they’re the perfect fit to supercharge our new adventure both here in the U.K. and globally.”