Ray Winstone’s Sicily to Air in the U.K. on BLAZE

Banijay Rights has licensed the travelogue Ray Winstone’s Sicily for a U.K. broadcast on the free-to-air channel BLAZE.

Thanks to a deal between Banijay Rights and A+E Networks UK, the 6×60-minute series will premiere this fall in the U.K. In his first foray into factual programming, award-winning British actor Ray Winstone sets out on a journey to discover more about the island he now calls his second home.

Ray Winstone’s Sicily is produced by SWR Media in association with Dash Pictures. The series is executive produced by Daniel Sharp (Disasters Engineered, Top Gear America).

Winstone said: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with my work, but Sicily has really got under my skin and I wanted to find out why—it’s something to do with the people you meet and finding a place that hasn’t been spoiled. I hope this helps people see Sicily and say, I want to go there.”

Dan Korn, VP of programming at A+E Networks UK, who ordered the series for free-to-air channel BLAZE in the UK, said: “Who better to enjoy the sites, scenes and history of one of the world’s most famous and celebrated islands than with the Sexy Beast himself, Mr. Ray Winstone. We’re delighted to welcome Ray to BLAZE and to give British viewers the chance to enjoy his wonderfully entertaining tour of Sicily.”

Chris Stewart, commercial director at Banijay Rights, commented: “We’re excited to be partnering with A+E Networks UK to give the BLAZE audience an opportunity to see Ray shed his infamous hard-man image in this unique and highly entertaining series, as he lifts the lid on his much-loved Sicily in his own inimitable style. What better way to emerge from lockdown than with an onscreen holiday with Ray Winstone?!”