Bangkok, Thailand. 13 November 2012- Amari is delighted to announce its partnership with BBC Worldwide, to introduce the BBC’s international hit reality TV format Dancing with the Stars to Thailand.

Dancing with the Stars is one of BBC Worldwide’s Global Brands and in 2010 was named as the world’s most successful reality TV format in the Guinness Book of Records.  The show pairs local celebrities from stage, screen and sport with professional dancers who each week teach their partner a dance routine from the world of ballroom or Latin. Every week, the pairs perform their routines in front of a set of judges who mark each couple out of 10. Viewers are also able to vote for their favourite couple with scores from viewers and the judges combined.

With the addition of Thailand, there are 43 local versions of Dancing with the Stars around the world spanning six continents. The brand has also extended into live events, gaming and digital properties.

Commenting on the collaboration, Peter Henley, President and CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Worldwide to bring such a globally successful TV show to Thailand. What better way to bring the colours and rhythms of modern Asia to life than through the medium of dance and music. We look forward to embracing Dancing with the Stars and introducing the energy and excitement of the show to our Amari guests and the Thai viewing public.”

For the first time, the show will be financed via an Ad-Funded Programming (AFP) model, with Amari as the exclusive sponsor of the show. Dancing with the Stars premieres on Thailand’s Channel 7 in January 2013 with seven ninety minute episodes. The Thai series will be independently produced by MCL (Metine Company Ltd) and Kantana Group PLC and funded by advertising.  Amari will feature in ad breaks throughout the series and will have logo signage within the show. 

Richard Halliwell, Commercial Director for Dancing with the Stars at BBC Worldwide said:

“This is an exciting deal for us as it reaffirms the global popularity of the format. We were really keen to work with a local partner using a funding model that has huge success in this market.  Many of our commercial rivals have benefited with advertiser-funded models in Asia and we’re looking forward to creating our own success story at BBC Worldwide, starting with Dancing with the Stars in Thailand”.

 
About Amari
Amari is the centrepiece of the ONYX portfolio of hotel brands reflecting the warmth and energy of an evolving modern Asia. Amari’s network of properties spans Thailand and beyond, from scenic seaside locations to vibrant urban settings including Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Samui, Phuket, Krabi, and Hua Hin.  New Amari properties scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013 include Amari Amari Doha in Qatar and Amari Ludhiana in India. Visit www.amari.com

ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary hospitality brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.

About MCL
Metine Company Ltd (MCL) is a Bangkok based TV production and distribution company run by husband and wife team Edward Sharples (ex Managing Director of Endemol, South East Asia) and Thai supermodel and actress Metinee Kingpayome. Contact Metinee@metine.net

About Kantana Group PLC
For the past 60 years Kantana has been committed to bring the highest quality entertainment to Thai society. As one of the oldest and most prominent, Kantana is also one of the most innovative entertainment companies in Thailand. Come journey into the 7th Decade with Kantana as we lead the Thai entertainment industry onto the world stage.  Visit www.kantana.com 
 

About BBC Worldwide Ltd
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to exploit the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has five core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products and Global Brands. In 2011/12, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £155 million on headline sales of £1085 million and returned £216 million to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

www.bbcworldwide.com  

www.twitter.com/bbcwpress

For more information about this release or to request high-resolution photography, please contact:

Hannah Filer - Director, Communications
ONYX Hospitality Group T   +66 (0) 2255 3767, +66 (0) 2255 4588
847 Petchburi Road F   +66 (0) 2255 3718
Bangkok 10400 E   hannah.filer@onyx-hospitality.com
Thailand      W  www.onyx-hospitality.com