ITV Imports Survivor-Style Dating Show

With the second series of Survivor currently looking as if it will replicate the lack-lustre ratings of last year’s, ITV is to give another reality gameshow imported from the US a shot.

Elimidate, already apparently a “smash hit” in the States, combines the exotic locations of Survivor with the “romance” of Blind Date. However, all thoughts of Cilla in a bikini should be put from one’s mind, as the presenter will be ex-pop star and celebrity mum Kerry McFadden (formerly Kerry Katona of Atomic Kitten).

The Carlton-made series will be filmed in the USA, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe over the next two months. The format will have four girls competing over three rounds for a date with a boy, and vice versa. One person will be eliminated at the end of each round, with the series being shown in eight parts. Following the Survivor/Pop Idol/Club Reps formula, ITV2 will show a weekly Uncut version of the show featuring additional material.

Details of when the series will begin, beyond “later this year”, or whereabouts in the schedule it will appear, are not yet available, so it cannot be said whether the show is intended to compete with the third series of Channel 4’s Big Brother. Arguably the biggest of the reality gameshows, this year’s BB already looks set to be another major media event (see Channel 4 Unveils Summer Schedule).

Carlton: 020 7663 6363 www.carlton.com ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk

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