TV
Living goes for US 'Viva Blackpool' remake
Published Thursday, Aug 23 2007, 15:09 BST | By Neil Wilkes
Living has acquired the rights to Viva Laughlin, the US remake of BBC Three's Viva Blackpool.
Starring Hugh Jackman and Melanie Griffiths, the series - launching October on CBS - is described as "part drama, part thriller and part musical" and follows eternal optimist Ripley Holden (Monarch of the Glen's Lloyd Owen) as he attempts to open a Las Vegas casino.
Classic songs - from Elvis' 'Viva Las Vegas' to Blondie's 'One Way Or Another' - are interspersed throughout the scenes, each time performed by the cast members themselves.
"Living viewers expect something unique from our channel," said Amy Barham, head of acquisitions at Virgin Media TV, who negotiated the deal with SPTI. "Viva Laughlin is a show that really pushes boundaries and exceeds expectations. There is quite simply nothing like it in the marketplace and this is a huge part of its appeal as well as its incredible cast and strong narrative."
The show - Living's first pick-up from this year's LA Screenings - will air on the channel in 2008.
Starring Hugh Jackman and Melanie Griffiths, the series - launching October on CBS - is described as "part drama, part thriller and part musical" and follows eternal optimist Ripley Holden (Monarch of the Glen's Lloyd Owen) as he attempts to open a Las Vegas casino.
Classic songs - from Elvis' 'Viva Las Vegas' to Blondie's 'One Way Or Another' - are interspersed throughout the scenes, each time performed by the cast members themselves.
"Living viewers expect something unique from our channel," said Amy Barham, head of acquisitions at Virgin Media TV, who negotiated the deal with SPTI. "Viva Laughlin is a show that really pushes boundaries and exceeds expectations. There is quite simply nothing like it in the marketplace and this is a huge part of its appeal as well as its incredible cast and strong narrative."
The show - Living's first pick-up from this year's LA Screenings - will air on the channel in 2008.
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