The Marriage Ref
17 May 2011
Dermot O'Leary hosts new ITV1 show The Marriage Ref
ITV has commissioned a brand new comedy panel series, The Marriage Ref, hosted by Dermot O’Leary. Made by leading comedy and entertainment producer Zeppotron, the seven part series will broadcast on ITV1 this summer.
Marriage and relationships takes centre stage in this revealing and funny new Saturday night entertainment show. Everyday disputes between real-life couples are revealed, examined and ultimately judged.
Each week host Dermot O’Leary will welcome a number of real life couples onto the show who have an ongoing argument. These marital tiffs will run the gamut of disagreements - quirky, funny, and eminently recognisable.
Each partner will have the chance to put their side of the dispute across before a panel of celebrities and comedians who will have the final say in determining the victor of each spat. The panellists will offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions on the problem, discussing the merits of each side before voting on who they think is correct.
The series was commissioned by ITV’s Director of Entertainment & Comedy Elaine Bedell and Commissioning Editor, Comedy and Entertainment Claire Zolkwer. Zolkwer says, “The Marriage Ref takes a close look at every day disagreements faced by couples – something we can all relate to and laugh with. It’s an entertaining format and Dermot O’Leary will make a great host, not only giving his opinion but also leading the debate amongst the panel.”
American actor, comedian and producer Jerry Seinfeld created the format and the series will be produced by Zeppotron.
Annabel Jones, Managing Director at Zeppotron adds: “This show promises to be filled with comedy moments - marriage and relationships can be unpredictable and hilarious. Dermot is a fantastic host with wide appeal and we’ll be bringing some of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment to the panel. We’re extremely proud to be making a series that was originally conceived by the comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld.”
The Marriage Ref is already an international hit and has been produced in major territories including the US, Russia, Argentina, China and the Middle East. Endemol is the exclusive distributor of The Marriage Ref format across all platforms outside of the USA.
The 7 x 60 min series will transmit on ITV1 this summer and will be executive produced for Zeppotron by Ruth Phillips and Richard Osman, and series produced by Karen Murdoch.