Atalla and Buxton join forces for 5*'s Silent Library

The six-part series will air on 5* from 12 July at 10pm and is based on an international format distributed by Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV).

It challenges six friends to take part in a series of extreme physical games to win £2,000. The twist is that they lose if they talk, laugh, scream or make any sound.

Stunts in international versions of the format range from contestants brushing their teeth with wasabi to having their face held in the path of “the slapper” (a gloved hand that rotates on an automated machine).

Comedian, actor and broadcaster Adam Buxton will be providing comic commentary. 

The show was commissioned by Channel 5 head of digital Kate Barnes, who said: “I’ve always been a fan of the format and have been looking for the right time to bring it to the channel.”

Atalla added: “Roughcut’s expanding entertainment team are working to deliver a British sensibility to this classic format. It is the first time we have worked with Channel 5 and we hope the romance will continue for years to come.”

ICM represents NTV and brokered the sale of the format.

ICM agent Pippa Lambert comments, “5*has become a destination for young viewers and is an ideal home for the outrageous antics on Silent Library. The series is currently in its fourth season on MTV in the USA, and we’re expecting to see the same level of success in the UK.”

Atalla will exec produce and Neil Calow will series produce.

The show has run for more than 20 years in Japan, with over 1,000 episodes produced.