Sky Goes for Oz Format Spelling Star

LONDON: The Australian format Spelling Star has been picked up for the U.K. by Sky 1, where an eight-part version is due out later this year.

Produced by Remarkable Television, part of Endemol Shine Group, the series will chronicle 20 children aged 9 to 13 as they compete in a spelling showdown. Unlike a traditional spelling bee, however, the series will include a range of challenges and games based on spelling, words and meanings.

Endemol Shine Australia created the format, which has been given a second season on Network Ten.

Celia Taylor, head of non-scripted commissions for Sky, said: “We’re a nation of talent-show lovers and Sky 1’s Spelling Star is like no other out there. It has children at its heart, and with children comes touching innocence and lovable honesty that will make viewers laugh and cry during every episode.”

James Fox, the managing director of Remarkable Television, said: “Spelling Star brilliantly combines the drama and emotion of a knockout competition with simple and irresistible games that anyone can play. We’re thrilled to be working with Sky 1 to bring this extraordinary new show to the U.K.”