Simon Cowell is set to partner with the BBC for the first time with new talent show The Greatest Dancer. Cowell has been making making entertainment programmes for ITV for 14 years now.
The series will be produced by Syco Entertainment and will air on Saturday nights. The dance competition will see performances from all genres of dance competing over eight hour-long episodes in order to be named the Greatest Dancer.
Kate Phillips, Controller Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC said, “With the continued success of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is undoubtedly the home of dance. By launching The Greatest Dancer we want to give the vast array of dance talent across the UK the chance to shine. I can’t wait to work with Syco and Thames to uncover the talent out there and let our audience critique and celebrate the nation’s unsung dance heroes.”
Nigel Hall, Global Head of Television for Syco Entertainment, asserted, “The auditions for the pilot episode saw some of the most jaw dropping, heartfelt and moving auditions I’ve ever seen on a dance show. There are some spectacular moments and we are beyond thrilled to have secured this commission over fierce competition. We look forward to working with the BBC team on something just a little bit special.”
Amelia Brown, Managing Director, Thames TV, stated, “The Greatest Dancer is such an exciting project and we’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring it to life for everyone at home. It’s a fantastic format full of warmth and heart with the pilot revealing some incredibly magical moments. It’s sure to make an unmissable Saturday night treat for the whole family to enjoy.”
