A GLOBAL television showcase that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is set to attract a record number of buyers to Liverpool later this month.
The BBC Worldwide Showcase – the biggest event of its kind in the world – was held in Liverpool for the first time last year after years in Brighton.
This year’s event, which runs from February 24 to February 27 at the BT Convention Centre, is set to be the biggest event yet, attracting more than 700 buyers from around the world and a host of television stars.
The showcase gives buyers the chance to pick from the best programmes made by the BBC and other British producers and distributors.
This year, it will include an event focusing on Doctor Who and another showcasing the recent series Africa, hosted by David Attenborough.
Africa has already been sold to 12 countries, including Singapore, Germany and Australia.
Steve Macallister, president and managing director for sales & distribution at BBC Worldwide, said: “In another record-breaking year, we welcome our largest number of buyers to Liverpool – up by 10% on last year – and we have two brilliant programme-themed evenings planned.
“Africa is certain to capture the imagination of our delegates as it has the British public over the past few weeks.
“What a perfect opportunity to also celebrate the world’s longest-running sci-fi series with Doctor Who in its 50th year, at this biggest ever Showcase.
“We have a great slate of new titles across every genre and are delighted to be hosting some superb on screen talent over the four days of the event.”
BBC Worldwide is the largest distributor of TV programming outside of the US. The showcase accounts for some 20% of its annual worldwide programme sales.
Stars set to attend include actor Gabriel Byrne, who plays the lead role in forthcoming BBC One drama Quirke, Eve Myles, the lead in BBC’s forthcoming series Frankie, historian Simon Schama and Junior MasterChef presenters John Torode and Donal Skehan.
Among other series that will be heavily promoted at the event are Sky series A Young Doctor’s Notebook, starring Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe, Call the Midwife, and BBC perennial Top Gear.
