BBC Worldwide to produce ?Hairy Bikers? for History Channel

MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide Productions will produce an American version of ?Hairy Bikers? for the History Channel in the US.

The commission comes after BBC Worldwide struck a partnership with ?Hairy Bikers?, managed by James Grant Group, to license their brand and format around the world.

US cable channel History has commissioned Los Angeles- based BBC Worldwide Productions to produce 12x30? episodes to be broadcast later this year.

The US Hairy Bikers are former personal chef for President George W Bush, Paul Patranella and his motorcycle mechanic and foodie friend of 20 years, Bill Allen. Paul, a classically trained chef, will travel with Bill across the country sampling unique delicacies, as well as uncovering America?s traditional dishes and putting their own twist on them.

This is BBC Worldwide?s first deal for the Hairy Bikers brand after recently striking this innovative partnership. The structure also includes DVD, merchandise and live events rights globally.

BBC Worldwide executive VP International Production Matt Paice said, "The Hairy Bikers have really captured viewers? attention in the UK and the introduction of their stateside doppelgangers is a really exciting development. We look forward to striking innovative new deals for Dave and Si and we will be looking for talent to replicate this success for broadcasters around the world."

James Grant Group head of television Holly Pye said, "The History deal represents the first of its kind for the Bikers. We look forward to working in partnership (for our clients) with BBC Worldwide in the coming months and years. History has the ideal platform and audience from which to showcase the Bikers unique concept."

The original Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers and Si King, first appeared on BBC Two in 2005 in The Hairy Bikers? Cookbook: Si and Dave do Portugal. Their friendship, charm and passion for cooking appealed to viewers and the duo then went on to make a series of many other culinary programmes.

The Hairy Bikers programmes have been sold by BBC Worldwide to more than 160 territories around the world; titles include Mums Know Best, The Hairy Bakers and The Hairy Bikers? Cook Off.