Iconic 90s pop band’s reunion documentary sparks multi-million pound bidding war among streamers
THE upcoming Spice Girls documentary has sparked a bidding war among the world’s streaming giants.
I can reveal the team behind the project are focusing on huge global organisations that will have the money to buy the programme and the ability to reach the band’s international fanbase.
Though it hasn’t been filmed yet, it is guaranteed must-watch TV as the documentary will see all five members of the girl group reunited and talking together for the first time in years.
‘Competition rife’
A TV insider said: “It’s unlikely you’ll be seeing this show on the BBC or ITV as competition is rife and it would cost too much.
“The global reach is very important as they have millions of fans around the world, who will be keen to see the fab five reunited.
“They also know that their British fans will go to any lengths to ensure they see their idols.”
The team behind the documentary has started contacting streamers to sound out interest and open negotiations.
And feedback so far is incredibly positive, with industry chatter suggesting it will make momentous telly.
It is already being compared to the 2005 Take That documentary For The Record, or the Friends: The Reunion TV special in 2021.
Last year the girls confirmed it was being made by the team behind The Last Dance, the acclaimed Netflix series about basketball superstar Michael Jordan.
Letting slip, Mel B said: “The director and the whole concept of how that was shot and filmed is really, really, really good.
“So we’ll be doing our own version.”
The news of a reunion has sparked talk of new music and potential performances but first they have to nail a deal for the documentary.
I reckon they’ll be fine.
Bizbit
A PEPSI TOAST TO GEORGE
THIS Morning will mark what would have been George Michael’s 60th birthday with a rare interview from former Wham! bandmate Pepsi.
I can reveal that the ex-Pepsi & Shirley singer will chat with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary tomorrow from her home in St Lucia.
Pepsi – real name Helen DeMacque-Crockett – was one of the backing singers for George’s band Wham! during the Eighties.
Other guests on the programme will include singer Calum Scott, covering a classic from George, who would have turned 60 on Sunday.
A source said: “The show will have many heartwarming moments as we remember George and viewers will get to celebrate his career alongside those who knew him best.”
Tune in to ITV1 from 10am tomorrow.
DEAD FUNNY FOR OUTLAWS
STEPHEN Merchant appears to be dealing with a body of evidence in series three of his BBC One comedy The Outlaws.
The show, which he created and stars in, follows a group doing community service, and is set to return later this year.
Stephen and co-stars Gamba Cole, Clare Perkins, Darren Boyd and Rhianne Barreto were seen filming in a Bristol farmyard and looked like they were trying to dispose of a dead body without being seen.
If I were them I’d start by ditching the high-vis red vests.
TRAITORS GO DOWN UNDER
THERE’S some good news for fans of The Traitors who cannot wait for the second series.
BBC Three and iPlayer will soon be showing the Australian version of the game show, which will see contestants battle it out to win a £130,000 cash prize.
A BBC source said: “The Traitors is an addictively fiendish format and I am so pleased that viewers can get their summer fix of treachery and suspicion as we head Down Under for the Australian version of the show on BBC Three and iPlayer.”
The Oz version of The Traitors marks the third series from the franchise, which debuted in the UK last year with host Claudia Winkleman, and in the US in January with actor Alan Cumming as presenter.
The second UK series is set to film this year and applications to take part are still open to the public.
Head to bbc.co.uk/contact/questions/shows-tours-and-take-part/audience to find out more.
Bizbit
JAKE Quickenden will join EastEnders star Danny Hatchard in the line-up for the stage production of The Full Monty.
The news follows the release of the Disney+ spin-off from the hit 1997 film.
The show, which is set 25 years later, debuted on the streaming site last week.
NICKY ON HIS ABUSE TORMENT
NICKY Campbell has opened up about suffering heartbreaking abuse as a child.
The host makes the revelation in his ITV doc, Secrets Of The Bay City Rollers.
The show – airing on June 29 – explores the rise of the Scottish pop stars and the dark side to their story.
As well as chatting to former band members Stuart Wood and Pat McGlynn, Nicky meets the son of late frontman Les McKeown who was abused by the band’s manager Tam Paton.
And Nicky discusses his own harrowing experience at a school in Edinburgh.
In this week’s TV Mag, he says: “What did I take away from this? Well, a lot of pain.
“It will stay with me forever. Making the film was fascinating, but I was pleased when we stopped.”