Seven’s Pooch Perfect commissioned by BBC One
Seven Studios has announced BBC One has commissioned Pooch Perfect, a month after Seven CEO James Warburton said the company was considering selling its production arm – possibly to Britain’s ITV Studios – following a $67m half-year loss.
Seven Studios said it has been fielding global enquiries for the Rebel Wilson-fronted reality show since announcing it in September last year. The format – in which 10 pairs of professional dog stylists compete to transform pets and be crowned the country’s Top Dog Stylist – premiered in February to 624,000 overnight metro viewers.
The local series is hosted by Rebel Wilson
CEO of Seven Studios, Therese Hegarty, said she is “thrilled” with the commission, “particularly as the original idea for the show came from our hugely talented UK team”.
“Pooch Perfect is a fantastic new addition to our strong slate of internationally successful formats and programs,” she said.
The production house’s slate also includes Back to the Rafters, a Packed to the Rafters sequel it is producing for Amazon, as well as a number of original series for Facebook Watch. Seven Studios-backed Slim Film and Television recently named UK actor David Tennant as the star of its international co-production of Around The World in 80 Days.
Warburton told Mumbrella last month that the way Seven approached Pooch Perfect was part of a ‘derisking’ strategy.
“We’re derisking those programs. It’s six episodes. It’s actually derisking that, versus something that’s got to drive 20 or 30 episodes to drive your schedule,” he said.
The BBC One version will be hosted by theatre star Sheridan Smith in her first primetime entertainment hosting role.
“I live at home with six dogs, so presenting a show dedicated to our four-legged best friends didn’t take much consideration,” she said.
“I’m used to being on set with lots of actors… this time I can’t wait to hang out all day with dozens of dogs.”
Seven Studios UK will produce the show, with creative director Damon Pattison acting as executive producer for the series.
“I cannot imagine anything more fun than being in a studio with Sheridan Smith and a whole load of scruffy dogs,” Pattison said.
“This is going to be the happiest show and as the first original commission for Seven Studios UK, I’m utterly delighted to be bringing it to BBC One.”
The show’s UK iteration was commissioned by Kate Phillips, controller of BBC Entertainment, and Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content.
“I love this show, it celebrates so much creativity culminating in unforgettable transformations, always mindful of the fact one false snip could cost someone the competition,” Phillips added.
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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