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MIPCOM: Celebrity Splash, the high-diving format from Holland that is being produced for ABC in the US, has also been picked up by a broadcaster in the UK.
ITV has commissioned a UK version of Dutch prodco Eyeworks’ format Sterren Springen, which sees nine celebrities high-diving over a series of elimination rounds, having received training from a professional instructor. It debuted on SBS6 in August and has peaked at 26.5% market share on Saturday nights. 
ITV is reportedly chasing Olympic bronze medallist Tom Daley to co-host the show.
Earlier this week, Eyeworks Distribution announced it had also sold Celebrity Splash to ABC in the US, alongside major but as-yet undisclosed broadcasters in France and Australia.
The format is, however, the subject of legal angst between Eyeworks and Banijay International, with the latter looking into whether Celebrity Splash infringes the copyright of one of its own formats, TV Total Turmspringen, which also features high-diving celebrities.
Banijay has hired copyright infringement experts to assess the legal situation and is considering taking action against Eyeworks. The Dutch firm, in turn, has dismissed the claims, issuing a statement earlier this week saying: “Don’t be fooled. Celebrity Splash is the only proven format of such a series. It’s the real thing.”
