Banijay confirmed that Nordic label, Banijay Factory, has developed "Sexy Hands" for SVT1. This format, produced by Delta Studios, is the first dating show to be made anywhere in the world where deaf singletons and their hearing allies can’t see each other physically, apart from their hands, and use sign language to determine if there is a romantic connection or not.
“We’re proud to be playing a small part in making pop culture more inclusive and diverse. 'Sexy Hands' is a fast-paced, visually captivating, fun, and literally loud blind-dating format where both deaf and hearing, sign language savvy singles come looking for love. It is a new spin on the popular dating genre, but also the first of its kind to place sign language in equal footing with the spoken word,” Robert Andersson, Senior Format Developer at Banijay Factory and creator of Sexy Hands, stated.
"Sexy Hands" is a new dating format showcasing the true power of sign language, and where communication and personality is everything. Three potential suitors sign their hearts out, competing to win the affection of a singleton. As they can’t see one-another apart from their hands, due to the studio’s ‘love’ wall, they must rely on sign to chat, flirt, and make a great first impression in a series of enticing and revealing rounds, designed to get the potential couples better acquainted. Round after round the singleton eliminates the candidates until one lucky suitor remains. Will it be love at first sign when the couple finally come face-to-face and go on a date, or will they be left searching for a spark?
“Communication in dating and relationships is key and 'Sexy Hands' represents a large community who get to know one another through sign language. This inclusive and refreshing format will enrich the dating genre, giving unique insight into the linguistic identity of people who are deaf and those that use sign language, and we’re extremely pleased to have a new format in the catalogue which reiterates our commitment to diversity both on and off screen,” James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay, added.
Banijay Factory’s latest concept, "Sexy Hands" joins the company’s burgeoning slate, having already developed "Food & Fire" alongside "Mastiff Sweden" and "Expedition Kahawa" with Jarowskij. Furthermore, it also adds to Banijay Nordic’s entertainment formats which includes "Mastiff Denmark’s Drag Me Out", whose premiere was the best new launch for TV 2 Zulu in 2021, and the format among Banijay’s international highlights for the autumn. Made up of 17 production companies, Banijay Nordic produces some of the region’s biggest formats, from reality shows like "Survivor" and "Paradise Hotel", to key scripted titles such as "Wallander" and "A Class Apart".
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