Edmonds to join UK '5th Grader'

Sky One has signed up Noel Edmonds as the prime time host of Sky One's forthcoming new quiz show, Are You Smarter Than A 10-Year Old?.

The show, which follows the format of the US hit Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? brings adults and kids together to answer questions that any 10-year old should be able to answer, as the grown-ups work their way up the cash prize ladder.

Edmonds said: "This is a fantastic time in my broadcasting career and whilst I remain fully committed to Deal Or No Deal this is a fabulous opportunity to host a show that I am confident will be a big success."

Launching to an audience of 26.6 million viewers in the US in February this year, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader was the most successful new series launch in eight years. The UK series, produced by TwoFour Productions, begins filming in the summer with a debut scheduled for this autumn.

Richard Woolfe, director of programming, Sky One, Two and Three said: "Marrying the genius of Noel Edmonds with this fantastic original format will make ‘Are You Smarter…?’ the must see TV show of the autumn. Noel has an unrivalled record of delivering family entertainment and we're thrilled that he's so invested in this project."

Sky One will appoint another host to present the 50 daytime shows planned. A nationwide search is also going on to a school choir to sing the show's theme tune, and to find the kids who will appear on the quiz panel. Sky One is holding open auditions on UGC web portal Skycast, where kids can upload a showreel.