Foxtel launching The Real Housewives of Australia

Australian pay TV broadcaster Foxtel is to produce a local version of The Real Housewives format after striking a deal with NBC Universal.

The network will launch 10x1hour The Real Housewives of Australia on its entertainment channel Arena in 2013. It will be produced by Matchbox Pictures, the producer behind hit Australian drama series The Slap.

The show will take a look at the lifestyles of the wealthy and pampered women found in the chicest parts of Australia.

Foxtel executive director of television Brian Walsh said: “The Real Housewives franchise has enthralled, bemused and dazzled millions internationally and we are thrilled to be commissioning a local version to air on Arena in 2013.”

He added: “This latest local commission further solidifies Foxtel’s continued dedication to delivering must see, big entertainment and compelling storytelling to Australian audiences and is just one of the many announcements we plan to make in the coming months.

Chris Oliver-Taylor, managing director, Matchbox Pictures added: “Matchbox Pictures is delighted to be working with Foxtel to deliver an Australian version of one of the biggest and most talked about TV franchises in the world.

NBC Universal International Television Distribution sells The Real Housewives format as well as the finished tape of its The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of New Jersey and The Real Housewives of New York, which air on its US cable network Bravo.