Leahy goes it alone with Ludus

UK prodco Ludus Entertainment will remain in operation despite one of its co-founders severing ties with the firm after being named FremantleMedia’s new president of worldwide entertainment.

Trish Kinane was this week given the Fremantle role on a permanent basis after job-sitting as acting president while Rob Clark took a year off.

As a result of the permanent appointment she has now left Ludus, the gameshow/reality prodco she formed 12 years ago with business partner Stephen Leahy.

Leahy, now Ludus sole owner, told C21: “I wish Trish all the best for her continuation working with Fremantle. She’s perfect for what she’s doing there and she’s enjoying it so it seems sensible she should carry on.

“I will now focus Ludus more on my strengths, which is gameshows.”

Ludus is best known for creating formats including interactive gameshow The Mint, which aired on ITV in the UK and Network Ten in Australia. ITV also aired Dial A Mum, a reality makeover show that has now been optioned by ITV Studios France.

Ludus is developing three new quiz shows and a cookery challenge format, Leahy added. The company picked up the Gold Award at the 2008 C21/Frapa Format Awards.