Elstree Welcomes Return Of Panel Shows

BBC Studios and Post Production (BBC S&PP) has provided full studio services at Elstree for two of Britain's popular comedy late-night panel quiz shows – E4's Virtually Famous and ITV2's Celebrity Juice.

Virtually Famous returned to Elstree in August 2015 for its second 10-show run. Produced by Talkback and Hungry Bear Media for E4, Stage 9 housed the adaptable panel set to cater for the shows various games and challenges.

Meanwhile, the latest series of ITV2's Celebrity Juice – which is now in its third residency with BBC S&PP – the production, which includes an exclusive Christmas special, began its weekly run in September and remains on site until mid-November.

BBC S&PP followed a tested set up for both productions. As a standard for most panel shows based out of the 7,550 sq ft Stage 9, a seven-camera set up, including six pedestal cameras and one jib, was in place to capture all the laughs in front of a 350-strong audience. The productions also made full use of the studio's HD galleries and ancillary facilities, including costume, make up and dressing rooms, production offices, props workshops and green rooms.

Meryl McLaren, Commercial Manager for BBC S&PP, said: "Our ongoing relationship with Talkback and Hungry Bear Media is testament to the high-quality delivery skills of our studio teams, and we're delighted to have them back at Elstree."

Hosted by Kevin McHale, Virtually Famous pits two celebrity panels against each other as they battle for points in challenges covering social media sensations. The team captains are comedians Seann Walsh and Chris Stark.

Celebrity Juice sees Keith Lemon set a series of whacky challenges such as 'Lemon Head', 'Don't Show Keith Your Teeth' and 'Hu-Man Vs Food' to a celebrity panel, featuring the likes of Jonathan Ross, Kelly Osbourne and Little Mix. Lemon is joined by returning team captain Holly Willoughby and stand in team captain, celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo.

www.bbcstudiosandpostproduction.com

(JP)