Celador International has acquired the worldwide television rights to the classic gameshow format, Mr & Mrs. The deal also gives Celador International worldwide merchandising and interactive rights including internet, mobile and all other platforms, with the exception of the UK/Eire board game and interactive DVD rights which remain with their current holder, games company Upstarts!.

 

Mr & Mrs was broadcast in the Border region of ITV from 1967 before being picked up nationally in 1973 when it became a staple of the network schedule until 1988. The popular format tests how much – or how little – couples know each other, by asking one partner to answer questions on the other’s likes, dislikes, reactions and opinions, whilst their partner is sitting in a booth and unable to hear what is being said about them.  On return the same questions are put to that partner, generating a lot of laughter and not a few ‘on set’ arguments, as correct answers take the couple nearer to the jackpot.

 

Celador International has acquired the rights from Derek Batey Enterprises Limited and Upstarts!.  Derek Batey Enterprises Ltd is the company owned by Derek Batey, the host of the original Mr & Mrs throughout the 1970s and 80s who was also responsible for bringing the programme to air as a Director of Programmes and Board member at Border Television.

 

Celador International will develop and update the Mr & Mrs format for a modern audience for both UK and international broadcasters. It will also extend the format into a range of off-air products to sit alongside Upstarts!’ popular board game and interactive DVD.

 

Tom White, Managing Director of Upstarts!, said:

 

“Our phenomenal growth last year within the games industry, especially the interactive DVD sector, will be further enhanced now that Celador International is involved with the Mr & Mrs brand. This evergreen title compliments greatly the huge success we had last year with Bullseye and Catch Phrase. We are very excited at this prospect.”

 

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About Upstarts!

 

Upstarts! was formed in 1988 by Tom White who had previously worked on the European development of Trivial Pursuit. This experience was pivotal in working together with Celador to produce the international editions of the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? board games range.

 

Upstarts! now holds a prestigious place in the UK games market and is the leading independent company supplying interactive DVD games.

 

Upstarts! were advised and represented by Steve Lazarus, Managing Director of Lazarus Consulting Limited, the legal and media business consultancy.