UKTV has announced today the launch of Battle in the Box (8×60′), an innovative new comedy reality game show that will air on the renowned entertainment channel Dave and the free streaming platform UKTV Play. The series, created by Interstellar, is adapted from a popular Korean format developed by Something Special, a format agency based in Seoul. The distinguished host for the show will be Jimmy Carr.
Battle in the Box introduces an exciting contest where pairs of comedians and beloved British celebrities engage in spirited competition, vying for the honour, valuable prizes, and, notably, space within a comedic and reality-blending framework. Consisting of eight episodes, the series is structured into four intense double features, wherein eight pairs immerse themselves in 24-hour confinement within a designated box.
As the clock initiates the challenge, two teams of celebrities step into a completely vacant box, partitioned by an adjustable wall, armed only with toothbrushes. Once ensconced, their sole companions become the cameras and each other, as no beds, tables, chairs, or familiar comforts are provided. Throughout the day and night, they must earn their every necessity by conquering an array of physical and mental trials, all masterminded by the orchestrator of this delightful chaos, Jimmy Carr. Emerging victorious in a game translates to more space and added luxuries for the fortunate pair. However, there’s a twist: the expansion of space for one team corresponds to a reduction for the opposing side, as the sliding wall of the box compels them into an increasingly confined area. Additionally, with challenges aligned around the clock, the fortunes – and the wall’s position – can shift unexpectedly.
Overseeing the proceedings will be host Jimmy Carr who said; We all know comedians are at their best when they’re tired, hungry and lacking the most basic of human comforts. So, I can’t wait to see how they’ll fare in the box, with space at a premium and cameras watching their every move. What could possibly go right?
Living in a pressure cooker like no other, Battle in the Box will test the endurance and ingenuity of some of the UK’s biggest names from comedy, TV and entertainment.
Battle in the Box is commissioned for Dave and UKTV by Mark Iddon, senior commissioning editor and Jason Dawson, commissioning executive and ordered for Dave by Cherie Hall, channel director and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. Battle in the Box is produced by Interstellar. Executive producers are Jamie Ormerod and David Williams and the series producer is Tom Corrigan. Filming starts next month and contestants will be announced nearer to transmission on Dave and UKTV Play.
Mark Iddon said; “Finally, we get to answer the classic age-old question of what would happen if Jimmy Carr locked two pairs of comedians in a giant box for 24 hrs to battle to the death (ok, not death) whilst a moving wall threatens to make them live in a space the size of a photo booth? Because, you know, there is nothing like a wall inching in on your personal space to bring out the best in comedy!”
Cherie Hall said; “This format balances the perfect mix of challenge in the gameplay, jeopardy via the moving and claustrophobic wall, and a tonne of fun and comedy from the trials and tribulations of our celebs being locked together in a box. An exciting launch for Dave in 2024.”
Ormerod and Williams of Interstellar said; “Battle in the Box combines our two favourite genres comedy and reality, in one stand-out format that challenges comics and celebs to think outside the box while living inside one. We’re delighted to be partnering with Jimmy Carr and the team at Dave to bring it to UK screens.”
Jin Woo Hwang and Praise ChanMi Shin of Something Special said; “Something Special is thrilled to collaborate with UKTV and Interstellar on Battle in the Box and see our exciting format come to life on the screen. Audiences love watching celebrities go through tough challenges and it will be fascinating to watch how they strategise to secure their space.”
Battle in the Box comes to Dave and UKTV Play next year and joins an array of returning UKTV Originals for the channel including the upcoming series Big Zuu’s Big Eats, David Mitchell’s Outsiders and Meet the Richardsons.
