K.J. Yossman Fremantle is merging two of its U.K. unscripted labels Thames and Talkback amid its global restructure. Talkback managing director Jonno Richards is leaving the company after five years in the role.
He was at Talkback for nine years altogether. The new company will be called TalkbackThames and led by Thames managing director Charlie Irwin.
Thames is known for shows such as talent competition “Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream,” in which young stage hopefuls competed for leading roles in the ABBA-inspired stage musical, while Talkback’s output includes Netflix dating gameshow “Too Hot To Handle” and quiz show “QI.” This is not the first time Talkback and Thames have found themselves united.
Fremantle previously merged the two companies in 2003 before separating them again in 2012. The news comes after Fremantle laid off all staff at scripted label Euston Films, known for shows including the recently launched “Nightsleeper,” and documentary label Undeniable.
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