BBC To Bend It Like Beckham

The BBC has signed a deal to broadcast a host of high profile movies including the popular Bend It Like Beckham, a move which is likely to further infuriate commercial broadcasters who have criticised the BBC for its populist approach.

Bend It Like Beckham was one of the most successful British films at the box office last year, taking £11.5 million and it will premier on the BBC in 2004.

The deal also includes David Cronenberg’s Spider, The Hunted and George Clooney’s yet to be released Welcome To Collinwood.

Steve Jenkins, senior editor of films at the BBC’s programme acquisition department, commented: “Bend It Like Beckham was one of the most popular films of 2002. From the opening kick to the final whistle, it’s a great feel-good comedy which looks at contrasting cultural attitudes through a fanatical obsession with football. The success of Billy Elliot this Christmas shows this is just the kind of British film our audiences are looking for.”

Last year the BBC extended its annual ratings lead over ITV1, with the success of the World Cup, extra investment in drama and more landmark factual programmes helping the channel to increase its share of viewing during 2002 (see BBC1 Extends Annual Ratings Lead Over ITV1).

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk

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