Hungry Jay sets its sights on international market

Jay Blades Learning to Read at 51

Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51

BBC Studios has secured a one-year first-look development deal with Hungry Jay Media, the joint venture between presenter Jay Blades and production company Hungry Bear.

Established in 2020, Hungry Jay Media is focused on fact-ent formats, and has produced personal docs including three-part Jay Blades: No Place Like Home for Channel 5 and Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51 for BBC1.

Dan Baldwin and Juliet Denison Gay’s Hungry Bear is behind Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel (BBC1) and Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad (ITV), while Blades is best known as the furniture restorer on BBC1’s The Repair Shop.

Denison Gay said that the deal means Hungry Jay can grow its team, nurture new talent and create popular formats with global appeal. She added that the BBC “shares our values and supports our vision to make a real difference both on and off screen”.

BBCS commercial director, international production and formats, Emma Hardie, added: “Hungry Jay combines one of the most credible and authentic presenters currently on television with a brilliant team of creatives that deliver much-loved, hit shows. Their commitment to supporting new and diverse talent is a value we passionately support.”

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