Fremantle UK re-merges prodcos Talkback and Thames as Jonno Richards exits
Fremantle in the UK has announced a major shake-up in its entertainment division, re-combining two of its prominent production labels, Talkback and Thames, into TalkbackThames.
Charlie Irwin
The merger, effective from today, follows the two production companies being merged by Fremantle in 2003 but then separated again in 2012.
The process announced today aims to combine the strengths of both labels to create a fully integrated entity that will produce a wide range of entertainment and comedy formats for audiences around the world.
The new label will unify hit shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, Too Hot to Handle, Blankety Blank, Family Fortunes, QI and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, creating what was described by Fremantle as a “best-in-class” portfolio.
The leadership of TalkbackThames will fall to Charlie Irwin, currently MD of Thames, in a move that sees the departure of Jonno Richards, who has left the company after a nine-year stint at Talkback, five of them as MD.
In a statement, Amelia Brown, CEO of Fremantle UK, said the merger was a strategic move to consolidate the company’s position in the global unscripted television market.
Amelia Brown
“Thames and Talkback have enjoyed a strong partnership for over 20 years and when combined, they have been instrumental in launching some of the UK’s most iconic shows,” she said, citing Pop Idol, The X Factor, Take Me Out, Buzzcocks, QI and Hole in the Wall.
“Now, as the global unscripted landscape continues to expand, there is no better time to reunite their expertise into a single super-label to harness their combined strength and creativity once again and to form a unified structure and identity recognised internationally across the industry.”
Irwin, who has been with Fremantle UK for over 20 years and played a key role in the success of shows like Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, expressed excitement about leading the newly formed TalkbackThames.
“I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead the new unified label, building on the legacy and success of both Thames and Talkback in creating beloved entertainment, reality and comedy formats,” said Irwin.
