'American Inventor' heads to Virgin1

Virgin1 is bringing American Inventor and ex-Dragons' Den panelist Peter Jones to the UK.

In 24 hour-long episodes, across two series, aspiring US inventors present their attempts at inventions and retail products in a competition for $1m.

Regional heats were held before panelists Jones, George Foreman, Pat Croce and Sara Blakely picked six finalists. Each was given $50,000 to develop their product before a national vote decided the winner.

Virgin1 head of acquisitions Amy Barham bought the show from Fremantle Media Enterprise's regional sales chief Justin Hatfield.

Barham said: "Virgin1's spring schedule is all about populist, broad entertainment and American Inventor fits the bill perfectly.... The show is pure entertainment and really embodies what Virgin1 stands for."

Hatfield added: "I am very pleased that we have concluded this deal with Virgin1 - it further builds on the great relationship we have with them."

The show initially attracted very strong audiences for ABC though they dropped off through the series.