BBC motor programme Top Gear is set to be made into a French edition, despite two of the UK presenters getting driving bans in France last year. The show is also set to be reproduced in the US, China and Australia later this year.
A version of the programme is to be made by BBC Worldwide for the broadcaster RMC Decouverte, filming is set to begin in the next few months ready to be screened in France next year. The British version of the show is already aired on French television, it is very popular and receives some of the country’s highest ratings.
BBC Worldwide France already produces versions of other show formats such as Antiques Roadshow, The Great Bake Off and The Weakest Link and the international version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Adam Waddell, the director of entertainment brands for BBC Worldwide, said: “The French have some amazing roads and incredible scenery, which is why Top Gear UK has often filmed there.
“Now French petrol-heads are going to have their own version of the programme and I have no doubt that the hosts will bring their own personality and sense of humour to the new show. I can’t wait to watch it develop.”
Presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond were charged with speeding while filming the programme’s Perfect Road Trip DVD, they each received a fine and a temporary ban.
