UKTV Takes MasterChef Australia

LONDON: UKTV has acquired MasterChef Australia from Shine International to air on its new pay-TV entertainment channel Watch, as well as on Good Food.

Originally produced by FremantleMedia Australia for Network Ten, MasterChef Australia will receive its U.K. premiere on Watch in January 2010 before airing on Good Food from May 2010. Presented by journalist Sarah Wilson, MasterChef Australia features initial audition rounds where large numbers of hopeful contestants from across Australia individually present a food dish before the three judges in order to earn a place in the semi-finals. The semi-finalists then compete in several challenges that test their food knowledge and preparation skills. All are whittled down until a winning MasterChef is crowned. The series winner has to play for a prize that includes chef training from leading professional chefs, the chance to have their own cookbook published, and AUS $100,000 in cash.

UKTV’s director of program acquisitions, Catherine Mackin, said: “We are thrilled to have secured the hugely successful Australian spin-off of MasterChef. Not only does it guarantee fresh and exclusive new content for both Watch and Good Food, but it also reinforces UKTV’s position as a one of the U.K.’s biggest acquirer of quality international shows.”

John Pollak, the executive VP of Shine International, commented: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with UKTV on MasterChef Australia here in the U.K. We couldn’t be happier that this tremendous version of a great U.K. format will be broadcast on their channels. It’s simply a perfect fit for the show and for the channels themselves.”

Watch’s deputy channel head, Julie Swanston, added: "We’ve successfully introduced international versions of shows popular here in the U.K. to Watch viewers with great success, including Total Wipeout US and Dancing with the Stars. With a slightly different format to the original U.K. version, MasterChef Australia focuses more on the elimination element of the competition to bring a familiar reality feel to the series, which is sure to appeal to Watch viewers.”