Format Focus: The Italian Dream
- Published: 23 July 2008 17:55
- Author: Will Hurrell
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 24 July 2008 09:06
- Reader Responses
Couples have the chance to win their own bed and breakfast business in Italy in a series from the Netherlands.
The format
The Italian Dream is a property makeover series featuring four couples competing to win a B&B in the idyllic Italian countryside.
The couples must work together to rebuild a derelict property in a small village and are judged by a panel of three: a teacher, who judges them on their Italian language skills; a chef, who judges them on their knowledge of Italian cuisine; and finally the contractor, who oversees their skills during the rebuild.
They are awarded points based on their performance, which add up to 50% of their final score.
The other 50% is awarded by a secret panel of eight villagers, who decide which couple is most likely to fit in.
Who's showing it?
The series was broadcast in the Netherlands on public broadcaster Ned1 and gained a market average of 21%. This autumn, the show will premiere in Belgium on commercial broadcaster VTM.
Coming to the UK?
Eyeworks International, which has the international rights on the property, is in discussions with major UK broadcasters.
Could it work here?
This could provide some much-needed escapism amid the current housing market slump. The practicality of Changing Rooms mixed with the aspirational A Place in the Sun could prove a winner.
