BBC One finds The Link, Warner attached for sales

UK channel BBC One has commissioned a quiz show in which teams attempt to find the link between questions, with Warner Bros.’s international unit attached to sell the format rights.

The Link will run on BBC One as a 25-episode series in a daytime slot, with Scotland’s STV Productions beginning production later this month in association with LTV. Actor Mark Williams (Harry Potter franchise) will present the show.

STV developed the format alongside LTV, which is a partnership of Tuvalu Entertainment’s Paul Johnson and game developers Tristan Hyatt-Williams, Ben Drummond and Dean Tempest.

Gary Chippington is executive producer for STV Productions, Jo Street is executive producer for BBC and former Endemol exec Johnson is executive producer for LTV and Tuvalu.

Warner Bros. International Television Production, meanwhile, has acquired global format rights.

“We know that great game shows are back at the top of broadcasters’ wish lists. The Link is that rare thing — an original new quiz show with a strong identity in terms of both its game play and visual elements, commissioned in a key market,” said Andrew Zein, senior VP, creative, format development and sales, WBITVP.

“Our excitement is shared by Mike Darnell and his team at the Warner Bros. Television Group, who will be bringing it to market in the US,” he added.

The BBC’s controller of daytime Damian Kavanagh commissioned the series. He said: “The Link appealed to us because of its innovative question style and challenging game play. Mark Williams will give the show a different flavour which we hope will delight the audience.”