ITV Lines Up Gameshow Remake Against Channel 4

ITV will this year revive classic gameshow The Price Is Right, according to media reports, with the broadcaster hoping to thwart competition from surprise Channel 4 hit, Deal or No Deal.

The revamped show is being produced by Talkback Thames, according to Broadcast magazine, with ITV placing an order for 150 episodes worth £4.5 million.

The new series will run for around 30 weeks, hosted by comedian and I’m a Celebrity winner, Joe Pasquale. Broadcast claims the show will be positioned directly against Channel 4’s Deal or No Deal, hosted by Noel Edmonds in its new afternoon slot of 4.15-5pm.

The new signing positions ITV in a direct face off with Channel 4, which recently poached its rival’s prized chat show host, Paul O’Grady, for a chat show in its early evening slot later this year (see O’Grady Latest Chat Host To Leave ITV).

In addition to The Price Is Right, ITV is also believed to be remaking Family Fortunes, with Vernon Kay at the helm. The broadcaster also extended its golden handcuffs deal with pop mogul Simon Cowell earlier this month, signing the sharp tongued talent judge for a further two years (see Cowell To Wear ITV’s Golden Handcuffs Until 2008).

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