Talkback & Thames To Merge Once Again
deadline.comStoried UK labels Talkback and Thames are merging once again. Around six roles will be impacted, we understand. Deadline revealed last year that plans were in place from super-indie owner Fremantle to bring the two together under a restructure that has now been rubberstamped with the exit of Talkback boss Jonno Richards.
The new TalkbackThames outfit will be led by current Thames MD Charlie Irwin. Fremantle said it will create a “single entertainment super-label.” Between them, the two produce the likes of Britain’s Got Talent, Too Hot to Handle, Blankety Blank, Family Fortunes, QI and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Upcoming shows include Netflix double Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby, and Battle Camp. In an internal email to staff sent out this afternoon, seen by Deadline, Fremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown said “whilst this is a positive move for the company, I do understand that with any change there will be feelings of uncertainty as we look at the current structure and how the new super-label will look.” Impacted staff, of which there are around half a dozen, have already been told, Brown added.
In her press release statement, Brown said: “Thames and Talkback have enjoyed a strong partnership for over twenty years and when combined, they have been instrumental in launching some of the UK’s most iconic shows.
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