ITV pilots Dutch format Let’s Play Ball

Dutch comedic reality format Let’s Play Ball has been piloted in the UK by ITV, Broadcast has learned.

The show was put into development in the UK last year with Last One Laughing UK producers - and fellow Banijay UK labels - Initial and Zeppotron attached. It marked the first international territory to take on a reimagination of the show.  

Let’s Play Ball was originally co-developed by Banijay Entertainment’s EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream for SBS6.

The format sees two rival teams of comedians going head-to-head in a race to move a giant ball across various terrains. Each episode follows the teams as they attempt to navigate landscapes such as narrow city streets, rivers and meadows.

The series debuted in the Netherlands last summer after it was initially piloted on YouTube via StukTV with Dutch comedians, attracting more than 1.2m views.

Canadian streamer Crave has since ordered a local version, while Banijay’s Bunim/Murray has taken the format out in the US. Banijay Entertainment holds global format distribution rights.  

It is yet to be confirmed if ITV will take the pilot to series.