Jeremy Clarkson invited to head-up new BBC Brit channel
The BBC has announced that Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson will lead a line-up of homegrown talent for BBC Brit, one of three new international brands including BBC Earth and BBC First.
Launching later this year the channel will screen a raft of Top Gear repeats to draw in male viewers the world over, as well as episodes of Dragon’s Den, Louis Theroux and Room 101.
BBC Worldwide chief executive, Tim Davie, said:"There is a gap in the global market for a male-skewing factual entertainment destination. BBC Brit will capture the maverick spirit of our premium factual entertainment programming.
“If you look at the success of Dave that's quite UK based. In terms of targeting there are similarities [with Dave], it has continued to deliver outstanding numbers but it relies on a lot of UK specific humour. Clearly comedy is more nuanced and demanding, but not impossible."
Alongside BBC Brit the broadcaster will also launch BBC Earth, a natural history focussed channel and BBC First, a drama centred station which will be introduced on Australian pay-TV this August.