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Deniz Şaşmaz Oflaz Named Wbd Turkey Content Chief

Deniz Şaşmaz Oflaz has been named Warner Bros Discovery’s Vice President of Local Original Productions, Local Channels and Streaming Operations Lead for Turkey. Oflaz was previously CEO of streamer BluTV, which Wbd acquired at the end of last year. She will remain in charge of the service, while taking on channel management for TLC and Dmax, plus development and production of local Turkish content. Grigory Lavrov, Vice President of Marketing, Local Brands & Franchise Management, Central & Eastern Europe (Cee) and the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (Menat), who had led TLC and Dmax since 2020, will continue to lead the trade marketing teams across Cee and Menat and take on new responsibilities outside of Turkey. In an interview with Oflaz and Wbd General Manager for Cee, the Baltics, Middle East, Mediterranean and Turkey Jamie Cooke, we reported on how BluTV has become...

Physical obstacle course game show Ninja Warrior U.K. is returning to U.K. broadcaster ITV and streamer ITV Hub for a sixth season.

The revamped format will feature, for the first time in the show’s history, a hunt for a female and a male champion. The contestants will face each other and also a team of professional Ninja Warrior athletes in head-to-head races across eight one hour episodes.

Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara return as the hosts.

Based on Tokyo Broadcasting System’s format “Sasuke,” “Ninja Warrior U.K.” was a hit for ITV across five successive seasons from 2015 through 2019. The success of the show spawned 13 Ninja Warrior Adventure Parks across the U.K.

The show is produced by Potato, the ITV Studios label behind “The Chase,” “Beat The Chasers” and “Moneyball.” It will be executive produced by Potato’s Michael Kelpie, Martin Scott and Helen Tumbridge,...

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Which new Saturday action gameshow deserves to wear Total Wipeout's crown? Den Of Geek investigates...

Saturday nights are all about falling over. Just look at your average British town centre and you’ll see people all over the ground, stranded where they fell. And Saturday night TV is no different.

But since the sad loss of Total Wipeout in 2012, the people of our televisions have been too upright. There just haven’t been the obstacle courses around to trip them up. That’s all changed though, with the BBC’s The Getaway Car taking on ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK in the family-friendly 7pm-ish timeslot.

But are either of them a worthy successor to the great of the genre?

Falling over

Falling over is integral to the joy of the Saturday night obstacle course. And Total Wipeout lived up to its name; the whole show was...

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Which new Saturday action gameshow deserves to wear Total Wipeout's crown? Den Of Geek investigates...

Saturday nights are all about falling over. Just look at your average British town centre and you’ll see people all over the ground, stranded where they fell. And Saturday night TV is no different.

But since the sad loss of Total Wipeout in 2012, the people of our televisions have been too upright. There just haven’t been the obstacle courses around to trip them up. That’s all changed though, with the BBC’s The Getaway Car taking on ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK in the family-friendly 7pm-ish timeslot.

But are either of them a worthy successor to the great of the genre?

Falling over

Falling over is integral to the joy of the Saturday night obstacle course. And Total Wipeout lived up to its name; the whole show was...

Ninja Warrior UK is coming back for a second series.

ITV confirmed that the series will return in 2016, with Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara all on board once again.

Ninja Warrior UK: Not the Japanese classic, but not half-bad either

Based on the Japanese format Sasuke, the first series saw 250 people taking part but none managed to conquer the show's final gruelling obstacle course.

18,000 viewers have already applied for next year.

"I'm delighted Ninja Warrior UK's coming back," said ITV commissioning editor for entertainment Asif Zubairy. "The show's mix of contestants' hilarious attempts and inspirational performances is presented brilliantly by Ben, Rochelle and Kammy."

Potato managing director Michael Kelpie added: "Ninja Warrior UK has proved to be a hit with viewers of all ages, a real family favourite on Saturday nights.

"I'm thrilled to be making the show again for ITV."...

Rochelle Humes is the favourite to be the next 'Xtra Factor' host. The Saturdays star is reportedly auditioning for the gig, which would see her go up against her husband and 'The Voice' presenter, Marvin, on prime-time TV. An 'X Factor' insider revealed: ''The decision over who will take over on 'The Xtra factor' will be made soon and Rochelle is one of the leading contenders.'' The 26-year-old beauty has shaken off her persona as a singer in recent years by hosting slots on 'This Morning', 'Strictly Come Dancing' and most recently, ITV's 'Ninja Warrior UK' alongside seasoned presenters Ben Shephard and Chris...

Rochelle Humes is the favourite to be the next 'Xtra Factor' host. The Saturdays star is reportedly auditioning for the gig, which would see her go up against her husband and 'The Voice' presenter, Marvin, on prime-time TV. An 'X Factor' insider revealed: ''The decision over who will take over on 'The Xtra factor' will be made soon and Rochelle is one of the leading contenders.'' The 26-year-old beauty has shaken off her persona as a singer in recent years by hosting slots on 'This Morning', 'Strictly Come Dancing' and most recently, ITV's 'Ninja Warrior UK' alongside seasoned presenters Ben Shephard and Chris...

Ninja Warrior UK: ITV, 7:30pm

Tonight, the first ever Ninja Warrior UK will be announced as the finalists tackle the famously difficult obstacle course one more time.

Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara host as the 14 remaining contestants fight to be crowned champion.

Big Brother: Channel 5, 9pm

Tensions are high in the house following Friday night's shock eviction twist and the arrival of some new housemates.

The watchful eye of Big Brother has caught all the drama in the aftermath of a surprising eviction night.

The John Bishop Show: BBC One, 9:45pm

Liverpudlian comedian John Bishop returns to our screens with a new Saturday night variety entertainment show.

In this first episode, Paul Weller performs his new single and John is joined by Beardyman to create some spontaneous beatbox music.

Happy Valley: BBC Three, 10pm

With season two of Happy Valley set to return...

Atlantis: BBC One, 7pm

So long, Atlantis - there won't be a third series, so you'll want to tune in for this feature-length finale tonight to see how the BBC fantasy series ends.

In the 90-minute closer, Jason (Jack Donnelly) makes a daring return to Atlantis, but does he have it in him to kill his nemesis - and mother - Pasiphae (Sarah Parish)?

Ninja Warrior UK: ITV, 7pm

It's the first semi-final of the nationwide endurance contest, with past winners returning to once more tackle the heights of Mount Midoriyama.

Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara host proceedings, as we take another step towards finding out who will claim the title of Ninja Warrior UK.

Britain's Got Talent: ITV, 8pm

It's the sixth round of auditions, with Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on hand to judge.

As ever, Ant and Dec will...

Ninja Warrior UK: ITV, 7pm

Hosted by Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara, contestants from the length and breadth of the country brave the third heat of the challenge in tonight's show.

To make it to the semi-final round, contestants must pass the Mount Midoriyama tower.

Atlantis: BBC One, 7.45pm

This week, knowing that the other woman is the only thing standing in the way of being a true ruler, Pasiphae offers Ariadne an ultimatum.

Meanwhile, Jason and Hercules have sought exile in the mountains, where Medusa and Pythagoras come up with their own plot, requiring a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions.

Britain's Got Talent: ITV,8pm

We're in the third round of auditions, and the competition is heating up. Judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon are on the hunt to uncover the nation's brightest talent.

Will any of tonight's acts have what it takes...

Vanessa White wants to be a TV presenter like Rochelle Humes. The 25-year-old star is very proud of her Saturdays bandmate Rochelle for making the transition from music to television with jobs on 'This Morning' and 'Ninja Warrior UK'. Vanessa is now ambitious to step onto the small screen herself. She said: ''I love watching Rochelle and Marvin present, I'm so proud of them and they are doing so well. It's making her happy and it's great to see that. ''It would be interesting to do something like that too. I think that's more Rochelle's bag but I would like to give it...

Vanessa White wants to be a TV presenter like Rochelle Humes. The 25-year-old star is very proud of her Saturdays bandmate Rochelle for making the transition from music to television with jobs on 'This Morning' and 'Ninja Warrior UK'. Vanessa is now ambitious to step onto the small screen herself. She said: ''I love watching Rochelle and Marvin present, I'm so proud of them and they are doing so well. It's making her happy and it's great to see that. ''It would be interesting to do something like that too. I think that's more Rochelle's bag but I would like to give it...

ITV1's new Saturday night show Ninja Warrior UK hit our screens for the first time tonight.

Based on a Japanese original and already adapted for an American audience, those versions have already been screened on various channels in the UK. ITV has now created its own version of the hit show with British contestants ranging from firefighters and pole fitness instructors to family care workers and wedding singers.

Ben Shepherd, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara are fronting the show but what was the reaction to it? Digital Spy took a closer look at Twitter during the show to find out.

First impressions were similarities with other shows - which, let's be honest, is expected. An obstacle course show is an obstacle course show:

Itv's ninja warrior is the biggest rip-off of total wipeout, however they are forgiven for getting Chris kamara on my TV

— Tom Kidman (@tKidman1) April 11, 2015

Ninja Warrior is basically Total Wipeout.

Britain's Got Talent: ITV, 8pm

The talent show returns for its ninth series as Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon scour the UK to find an act worthy of the £250,000 cash prize and a slot at this year's Royal Variety Performance.

Presented by Ant and Dec, this week's highlights include an air-defying hula hoop dancer and a hypnotising dog capable of giving 2012 winner Pudsey a run for his money.

Atlantis: BBC One, 7:45pm

Returning from its hiatus for a final run of episodes; the fantasy drama ramps up as Ariadne and Jason's wedding plans develop.

When news of the union reaches Pasiphae (Sarah Parish) she attempts to stop the marriage. However, her reach for power has dire consequences for all.

Ninja Warrior UK: ITV, 7pm

New entertainment show presented by Ben Shepard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara in which contestants battle their way through...

We've been waiting for this for ages and finally Ninja Warrior UK is here! The cult show - which started in Japan and also has an American version - sees incredible athletes attempting to prove their mettle on the toughest assault course on television. But is the UK one going to be just as difficult?

To find out, we popped along to meet the show's hosts Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara - read on to find out why the creator of the show thinks the UK's version is the best yet, what the toughest obstacle is and why Ben and Chris couldn't stop laughing during filming...

1. Ben is a big fan of the original versions of the show.

We've already seen him having a go at the course! "It's seriously tough," he said. "I've loved the show for years – I used to watch it on Challenge, and watched the American version on YouTube,...

Ninja Warrior UK has unveiled a new trailer.

The series - which is inspired by the Japanese show Sasuke - sees contestants run, jump and climb their way through a series of tough obstacles.

A total of 250 competitors will take to the course throughout the series, with obstacles like the Log Grip, Curtain Slider, Quintuple Steps and the infamous Warped Wall all standing in their way.

Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara are on hosting duties.

Shephard recently described the course as "really tough" after having a go at the show's studio at Manchester Central.

Ninja Warrior UK begins on ITV on Saturday (April 11) at 7pm.

Ben Shephard has taken on the course of new ITV series Ninja Warrior UK.

Inspired by the Japanese show Sasuke, the show challenges contestants to run, jump and climb their way through a series of obstacles.

A total of 250 entrants will take part in the competition, with Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara on hosting duties.

The Good Morning Britain presenter took on the Log Grip, Curtain Slider, Quintuple Steps and infamous Warped Wall in a bid to complete the course.

"I've loved the show for years so to see the UK version in the studio at Manchester Central was phenomenal," Shephard said. "I couldn't wait to give part of the course a go.

"The Warped Wall is such an iconic part of the show, I was determined to at least make it to that stage. I have to say, hat's off to the contestants who complete it. It's really tough.

Rochelle Humes will present 'Ninja Warrior' on ITV. A new UK version of the hit Us, Swedish and Japanese endurance competition will hit screens this spring and will be presented by Ben Shephard, The Saturdays singer and sports commentator Chris Kamara. The trio will host as 250 contestants from all walks of life take on the ultimate test of strength, speed and courage across three punishing and potentially hilarious stages. Those who prove they have the stamina to complete TV's toughest challenge will then take on the final task and scale an impressive vertical-faced tower named Mount Midoriyama, to be crowned the first...

Popular extreme assault course show Ninja Warrior is making the transition to the UK.

Inspired by a Japanese show called Sasuke, Ninja Warrior UK will launch on ITV with Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara as its hosts.

250 contestants will participate in the competition, where they will have to run, jump and climb their way through a series of challenges.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Ninja Warrior to the UK," ITV's commissioning editor for entertainment Asif Zubairy said.

"This exciting new format will showcase some inspirational achievements as well as hilarious mishaps on what promises to be the toughest course on TV."

The American version of the show has already been a hit Stateside and has been renewed for a seventh season later this year.