Quest Red invests in British programming
February 6, 2018
Quest Red, the free-to-air entertainment channe;, announced a slate of brand new British commissions coming to its 2018 programming line-up, with more big personalities, fascinating stories and gritty reality content.
Brand new series DOGS ON DUTY (10×60’) follows the crucial roles of Britain’s sniffer dogs on the front line, whilst SAVING BRITAIN’S WILDLIFE (10×60’) explores the heroic work done by RSPCA inspectors to protect the wild animals of Britain. Building on the popularity of the hit US series, PARANOMAL LOCKDOWN – UK (10×60’) comes to the British Isles to investigate proof of spiritual inhabitants in some of the most haunted locations. Completing the line-up, KATIE PRICE: MY CRAZY LIFE (6×60’) makes a glamourous return to Quest Red for its second series.
DOGS ON DUTY, from ScreenChannel TV, follows the extraordinary stories of specially trained sniffer dogs and their devoted handlers, from puppy-training to front-line action where they can be essential to solving cases from identifying missing persons, explosives, contraband and even arson. Incredible human and canine partnerships include PC Nicola Gibbins with explosive search dog Oscar and Fire Investigator Dave Coss with fire dog Dexter. Katie Boyd and Emma Barker are Executive Producers whilst Ben Laidlow is Series Producer for ScreenChannel TV.
SAVING BRITAIN’S WILDLIFE, from Middlechild Productions, joins forces with those on the frontline of wild animal welfare, with unique access to the RSPCA. Featuring dramatic rescues of wildlife in danger, the uncertainty of rehabilitation and the emotionally charged moments when animals are returned to the wild. These are the everyday heroes who face the challenge of protecting Britain’s wildlife. Andrew Eastel and David Sumnall are Executive Producers and Tim Dalby is Series Producer for Middlechild Productions.
PARANORMAL LOCKDOWN UK, from Groff Entertainment, has been commissioned for a dedicated UK series for the first time, following the popularity of the original Destination America US series. Stars Nick Groff and Katrina Weidman will conduct in-depth research, expert and witness interviews, cinematic reenactments and a 72-hour lockdown, to delve into the history and hauntings of the UK’s most paranormally active properties.
KATIE PRICE: MY CRAZY LIFE, from ITV Studios label Shiver, returns for a highly anticipated second series, after rating as Quest Red’s top three biggest shows in 2017. The sequel will reveal an intimate and captivating view of Pricey as she supports her mum after being diagnosed with an incurable lung disease whilst also trying to kick-starts her new life with a renewed energy and glamour after her very public separation from Kieran Hayler. Ali Martin is Executive Producer for Shiver and Jimmy Hedger is Series Director.
Clare Laycock, VP, Head of Channels, Quest Red, TLC & ID at Discovery Networks UK and Ireland, said: “Quest Red’s first year has been incredibly strong, proving there’s a real appetite for ‘irresistibly real tv’ amongst free-to-air audiences. This slate of commissions comes as we continue to invest into the most popular genres on the channel – crime, animals, reality and paranormal; commissioning original British content to keep the momentum building and take Quest Red to its next level of growth.”
Clare Laycock ordered the programmes, and Charlotte Reid is the commissioner and executive producer with Steve Jones for Quest Red. Quest Red is on Freeview 38, Freesat 169, Sky 162, Virgin 215 and BT TV 38.