C5 to Sync with Spike hit

Channel 5 (C5) in the UK has become the latest broadcaster to order a local version of entertainment format Lip Sync Battle.

Lip Sync Battle was the most-watched original series in Spike’s history

The 8×30′ series, described by C5 as its “most ambitious primetime entertainment commission” since Viacom finalised its takeover of the network, will be made by local prodco Whizz Kid Entertainment.

The series has been commissioned by Ben Frow, C5’s director of programmes, and is based on the Spike original, which sees celebrities lip-syncing songs. It has become the most-watched original series in Spike’s history, averaging nearly three million viewers.

The UK version is expected to air in early 2016 and comes after the two channels collaborated on the launch of Spike UK. Local versions have also been ordered by an internet portal in Asia and a Chilean broadcaster

The format is distributed by Viacom International Media Networks, which owns both C5 and MTV UK.