BBC hire top ITV star to host Traitors-style quiz after 7.2m viewers tuned in for final of reality show
AFTER bagging 7.4million viewers for the final of The Traitors last week, it was inevitable the BBC would want some more skullduggery back on their screens pretty soon.
What they’ve come up with is The Inner Circle, a new quiz show for Saturday nights on BBC One hosted by Amanda Holden.
It spins a similar web of intrigue, mystery and treachery with contestants competing in games and challenges to build up a cash pot.
But how much they end up taking home depends on who they can trust, and who might stab them in the back at the last minute.
A TV insider said: “Although this is a different concept to The Traitors it taps into many of its devious elements.”
The series is also Amanda’s first solo presenting gig for the Beeb following her house renovation series with Alan Carr which proved popular.
Read more on Amanda Holden
It also puts another high profile female presenter on our screens on a Saturday night.
The Inner Circle, which is set to start filming this spring and could air later this year, will see contestants have their general knowledge and strategic thinking tested.
The twist is they have to join forces with others to take home the prize.
But they can’t be sure whether they’ll end up backing or betraying one another.
The show will start with members of the public taking part, with a celebrity element introduced further down the line.
I hope it’s a hit but those are big cloaks to fill.
Sara's big ideas
SARA DAVIES is used to making big money investments on Dragons’ Den. Now, the entrepreneur is investing her time into aspiring inventors.
Sara and her team of skilled experts will see if they can bring to life the sometimes bonkers creations in The Big Idea Works, which will air on BBC One from February 3.
The creative designs range from a machine that chills your drink in seconds and a sugar-detecting pen for diabetics to a ball that creates bubbles for your bath.
Sara said: “This series goes to show how much innovation there is among us every day people, everyone has a brilliant idea in them.”
Bean's back for new drama
SEAN BEAN is at the head of the table at the gathering of an organised crime gang in a first look at new BBC drama This City Is Ours.
The actor plays leader Ronnie Phelan in the eight-part series, alongside James Nelson-Joybe as his best friend and fellow gang member Michael Kavanagh.
Set in Liverpool, with some scenes in Spain, the series follow Michael as he finds love for the first time, at the very same time boss Ronnie begins to hint he’s preparing to retire.
It means Michael has lots to lose when their drugs Kingdom, which has seen them distributing cocaine shipped in from Colombia for years, comes under attack with shipments going missing.
And things go from bad to worse as Ronnie’s son Jamie, played by Hijack’s Jack McMullen, decides it’s his time to inherit the business, and modernise their circle.
The series will also star Hannah Onslow as Michael’s love interest Diana, and Julie Graham as Elaine, head of the Phelan family alongside husband Ronnie.
This City Is Ours will air on BBC One in spring.