TVE sets task for Secuoya

Spanish pubcaster RTVE has ordered an eight-episode series of hit comedy gameshow Taskmaster from production giant Grupo Secuoya, after the latter picked up the format rights from Avalon in the UK.

The UK version of Taskmaster features comedians Greg Davies and Alex Horne

Dicho y Hecho (8×60’) is being produced by Secuoya subsidiary Secuoya Contenidos and will debut on RTVE’s flagship La1 channel.

It will follow the same pattern as the UK series, with the all-powerful ‘taskmaster’ and their assistant testing comedians through a set of physical challenges. Actress and comedian Anabel Alonso will take the position of Taskmaster in the Spanish version.

Taskmaster, originally created by comedian Alex Horne and produced and distributed by Avalon in the UK, was renewed recently by UKTV for a further four seasons.

At the end of last year, Danish broadcaster TV2 ordered a local adaptation of the show, following a commission from US network Comedy Central. It has also been adapted in Belgium for VTM and in Sweden for pubcaster SVT.

The format is also in development in five additional territories, while the finished programme has been sold to New Zealand’s TVNZ and UKTV in Australia.

Eduardo Escorial, director of content at Grupo Secuoya, said: “It’s not easy to find formats that resound globally and I’m sure Taskmaster has all the ingredients to make it a hit in our country.”

Isobel Hughes, director of distribution at Avalon, noted that Taskmaster “continues to find new audiences around the world.”

“The format lends itself perfectly to international adaptation with its mix of comedy, competition and plethora of creative challenges,” she said. “We are delighted Spain is the latest country to make its own version of the show.”