ABACUS MEDIA ACQUIRES GLOBAL RIGHTS FOR “THE MASKED DANCER UK”

Abacus Media Rights has now secured international distribution rights, with the exception of the UK, for the new entertainment series “The Masked Dancer UK.” “The massive success of the first two series of “The Masked Singer UK” shows that viewers have taken TV’s greatest guessing game to their hearts," Derek McLean and Daniel Nettleton from Bandicoot said. “The Masked Dancer UK” has all the mystery and mayhem of the original format and families once again will be desperate to find out who’s behind the mask!” 

Available from late spring 2021, “The Masked Dancer UK” will be produced by Bandicoot Scotland. Hosted by Joel Dommett, the celebrity panelists include renowned dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, award-winning British broadcaster Jonathan Ross, much-loved TV presenter Davina McCall and British stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan. Meanwhile, AMR has sold “The Masked Singer UK” to Virgin - Ireland, Game TV - Canada, BBC BRIT- South Africa, and Stöð 2 - Iceland with more deals coming soon.

“The Masked Singer UK” is a format originally imported from South Korea with local versions already airing in 30 territories. The first and second seasons of “The Masked Singer UK,” hosted by Joel Dommett, has featured celebrity panelists including global superstar Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, US judge Ken Jeong, and Mo Gilligan as well as special appearances on the panel from Alan Carr, Donny Osmond, Kelly, and Sharon Osbourne among others. The series has recently been named the winner for Best Entertainment at the Royal Television Society Awards 2021. Bandicoot has a number of new projects in development.   

The seven-part show will feature mystery celebrities performing unique dances whilst covered from head-to-toe in extravagant, colorful, and elaborate costumes and masks, leaving audiences and the star panel to guess their identities. Each week, a series of clues will be sprinkled throughout the packages, leading the panelists one step closer to figuring out which famous faces are freestyling behind the masks.   The panel has to guess the masked singers’ identities before they are unmasked – and their true identity revealed as they leave the competition.  “We’re really excited to have the opportunity to offer “The Masked Dancer UK” from Bandicoot and Argonon to our clients in addition to the first two series of ‘The Masked Singer UK,’” Jonathan Ford, Managing Director, AMR, said. “This unique concept appeals to viewers and to major artistes like – it’s fun, bright, and shiny entertainment for everyone. It also gives broadcasters a great opportunity to engage with their audiences through social channels to build interest around the show as it airs.”