Romesh Ranganathan is set to host a revived celebrity version of The Weakest Link.
Made by BBC Studios Entertainment, each episode will see celebrity contestants answering general knowledge questions before only two remain and play head to head to determine the winner. Brand new host Romesh Ranganathan will take the reins, seeing the celebrities do all they can to try and avoid elimination and emerge victorious, all in aid of their favourite charities.
Since making its debut in 2000, Weakest Link went on to become one of the BBC's most successful international franchises, with versions of the show airing in over 100 countries across the globe. The UK version last aired in 2017, with a special charity episode in aid of Children In Need.
Romesh Ranganathan says: “It’s an honour to be asked to bring what is basically a TV institution back to our screens. Anne was an amazing host and to step into her shoes is an anxiety inducing privilege. I’m hoping we’ve found a way to make both the fans of the show happy as well as bringing a new audience to it. If not, accept this as my apology.”
Kate Phillips, Director of Entertainment, BBC, says: “Weakest Link has always been a firm favourite with audiences and Anne Robinson was a terrific and formidable host. I can’t wait to see Romesh bring his own unique style of presenting to one of TV’s most memorable roles.”
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, Entertainment & Music, BBC Studios Productions, says: “It’s hugely exciting to be bringing back one of the world’s most successful quiz shows to BBC One. Anne was a brilliant host for many years and with Romesh taking the reins it’s going to be incredibly funny and as fiery as ever. The team can’t wait to get started.”
The new series will be filmed in Glasgow, with broadcast details and celebrity contestants being announced in due course.
Weakest Link is a BBC Studios Entertainment production and was commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Entertainment. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Pete Ogden and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Neil McCallum.
