BBC bags rights to RTÉ’s My Big Day, Home Or Away
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 14 February 2019

RTÉ Programme Sales has announced a new partnership with BBC Studios for the international rollout of its new wedding-planning format, My Big Day, Home or Away.

In My Big Day, Home or Away, one couple is given the services of two leading wedding planners, who compete to win the couple’s hearts, minds and trust. One planner arranges a wedding at home in Ireland, while the other plans a wedding somewhere fabulous and far-flung. After considering all the pros and cons, the couple chooses the venue they prefer. The show ends with them tying the knot in their dream location, surrounded by family and friends.

An original idea developed in-house, My Big Day, Home or Away premiered as a pilot on RTÉ2 in March. The success of the pilot, which was produced by Irish indie Coco TV, led to a 4 x 60’ series commission for the show, which will air in Autumn 2019.

“This format is one of those rare finds where the transition from pilot to series is a very easy decision to make,” said Sean Mac Giolla Phadraig, group head of factual, RTÉ.É. “Audience responses were extremely positive making it a sure fire winner in our home territory and now BBC Studios’ commitment to a global roll out is clear testament to its universal appeal. We look forward to proudly seeing this show on screens around the globe.’

The commercial arm of the UK’s public broadcaster has invested in the original format, securing the global rights to both the format and the finished programmes in all territories outside of Ireland. Commented BBC Studios head of formats, entertainment and factual entertainment Nicki McDermott: “We’re delighted to be distributing My Big Day, Home or Away and look forward to seeing how it entertains audiences both in the UK and overseas. Feel-good formats are still so popular, so it’s great to have a show like this in our catalogue.”