BBC Studios secures development deal with Jay Blades’ Hungry Jay Media

BBC Studios has entered into a one-year first-look development deal with Hungry Jay Media, the joint venture between presenter Jay Blades and production company Hungry Bear. “Hungry Jay are delighted to be partnering with BBC Studios on a first look deal, because they share our values and support our vision to make a real difference both on and off screen," Juliet Denison Gay from Hungry Jay Media said. "BBC Studios investment in development means we can grow our team and nurture new talent and, together with their help and expertise, we can create popular formats with global appeal.”

The agreement will give BBC Studios priority access to Hungry Jay’s slate with a focus on factual entertainment formats for the UK market, which ius deemd to have global potential. It was also bring Hungry Jay more exposure, and expand their development team to add onto the recent success the company garnered with "Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51" on BBC One, and "Jay Blades: There’s No Place Like Home" for Channel 5, whilst also bringing quality formats to BBC Studios international slate.

“Hungry Jay combines one of the most credible and authentic presenters currently on television with a brilliant team of creatives that deliver much-loved, hit shows,"Emma Hardie, BBC Studios Commercial Director, International Production and Formats, said. "Their commitment to supporting new and diverse talent is a value we passionately support. We’re really excited to be able to partner with them on this next phase of creative growth to make fantastic formats that will resonate with the international market.”

Established in November 2020, Hungry Jay Media brings together Dan Baldwin and Juliet Denison Gay’s production company Hungry Bear, which is known for hit shows such as Michael McIntyre’s "The Wheel" (BBC One) and "Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad" (ITV) with furniture restorer and designer Jay Blades, the beloved presenter of BBC One’s "The Repair Shop" and "Jay and Dom’s Home Fix." The indie is focused on developing and producing formats whilst bringing through fresh talent.“I’m really looking forward to working with the team at BBC Studios and creating formats they can sell around the world," Blades said.