Drive of My Life Gets Green Light at Travel Channel

LONDON: Scripps Networks Interactive’s Travel Channel has commissioned the tentatively titled Drive of My Life for the U.K. and EMEA region.

The new original series stars British comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, who takes celebrities on a journey through their past, driving to personal locations across the country and reuniting them with three cars they previously owned. Drive of My Life is slated to air on Travel Channel in the fall. The ten-episode series is produced by Shiver.

“Drive of My Life (working title) is a great example of our new reimagined original programming, that takes our viewers on an unexpected journey,” said Kevin Dickie, the senior VP of channels at Scripps Networks, UK & EMEA. “Paddy has the perfect blend of comic, engaging storytelling and great sense of adventure. I’m delighted to welcome him to Travel Channel, and I’m sure our audiences will welcome him too.”

As part of Scripps Networks’s refreshed commissioning strategy in the U.K. and EMEA, several titles, including Shed and Buried, are set to return to Travel Channel this year. Produced by HCA Entertainment, Shed and Buried follows petrol-head TV presenter Henry Cole and world-renowned vintage motorcycle builder Sam Lovegrove as they look for, purchase, rebuild and sell the U.K.’s automotive gems that have been discarded and abandoned in sheds, barns, out-houses and garages across the country. The first ten episodes are slated to air in May, with the remaining 20 set for September. Scripps Networks is also partnering with HCA Entertainment on the return of Greatest Motorcycle Rides for a 16th season.

Additionally, Food Network, which premiered Paul Hollywood City Bakes on April 18, greenlit a third season of Siba’s Table. South African chef Siba Mtongana returns for the ten-episode season, which is due to premiere later this year.

“We’re taking big swings with our 2016 regional commissioning strategy,” remarked Phillip Luff, the managing director for the U.K. and EMEA at Scripps Networks Interactive. “We have a robust slate of bold, fresh and innovative programming fronted by some of the biggest EMEA talent, including Paul Hollywood and now Paddy McGuinness, and we believe they will draw mass audience appeal and resonate well with affiliates and clients alike.”

The new titles were commissioned by Dickie and Gareth Williams, the VP of commissioning for Scripps Networks, UK & EMEA. In the U.K. and EMEA region, Scripps Networks distributes three lifestyle brands—Food Network, Travel Channel and Fine Living—on DTT and pay-TV platforms. Collectively, the brands are available in more than 130 countries and territories, with nine feeds broadcast in 22 languages.