Fremantle global ents director to depart

Fremantle director of global entertainment Andrew Llinares is to step down after three years, saying he “couldn’t ignore the creative itch” to return to producing shows.

The former X Factor and Dancing With the Stars exec has led Fremantle’s global entertainment portfolio and format development out of London since 2023, delivering 345 commissions and 302 productions last year.

His departure comes shortly after that of Fremantle’s chief exec of global drama and film Christian Vesper in January, after almost a decade in the role.

Llinares has a long-standing relationship with Fremantle, having previously headed Thames/Syco co-productions in the UK, and was the original showrunner on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent during their UK launches in 2004 and 2007 respectively.

After that, he was executive producer and showrunner of The X Factor USA and then showran Dancing with the Stars in 2018.

Llinares said: “I have been inspired by working within the Fremantle global leadership team and seeing the industry through a wider strategic lens. But I feel the time is right for me to return to my first love - making shows and being creative myself.

“This has been a very difficult decision. Fremantle is an exceptional company with exceptional teams around the world, who I believe are the very best in the industry. It has been an honour to work with them all and our amazing global entertainment team - I know our paths will cross again. I’ve loved every moment, but I couldn’t ignore the creative itch to get back to making content myself. Now it’s on to the next creative adventure.”

Following his departure, the Fremantle Global Entertainment division and leadership team will report to group chief executive Jennifer Mullin on an interim basis.

Mullin called him a “visionary creative” and said: “I have proudly watched him nurture new creative formats, bring them to life on screen, and in doing so help unlock talent both behind and in front of the camera.

“I fully appreciate and support Andrew’s decision to return to his real creative passion - making shows again. Although he will be deeply missed, we all wish him the very best for the future, and I am certain our collaboration will continue.”

Fremantle’s entertainment catalogue includes lobal franchises such as Got Talent, Idol, The Masked Singer, Farmer Wants a Wife and The Piano, as well as new formats including Too Hot To Handle and Pandora’s Box.