UKTV has commissioned Extreme Food Phobics (10×60’) for entertainment channel, W, with Dr Ranj Singh and his team offering help and support to some of the UK’s most severe food phobics.
The UKTV Original will be produced by South Shore Productions and will air later this year.
Dr Ranj said: “Most of us will associate fussy eating with kids. However, there are a significant number of adults with serious food issues that could be damaging their health without even realising. Working on this ground-breaking show has been a real rollercoaster – not just because we get to see the reality of it, but also because the treatment results are potentially life-changing!”
Extreme Food Phobics will see patients with a variety of food related fears and phobias visit Dr Ranj and his team at a bespoke hub, to start the process of overcoming their extreme food issues, in the hope of living a healthier and happier life.
W’s Extreme Food Phobics has been commissioned for UKTV by Hilary Rosen, deputy director of commissioning, and ordered by Adam Collings, channel director for W. Steve North is genre general manager for comedy and entertainment and Richard Watsham is director of commissioning. Executive producers for UKTV are Hilary Rosen and Kirsty Hanson, commissioning editor, and execs for South Shore Productions are Melanie Leach and Caroline Davies. Richard Park will be series producer.
Hilary Rosen said: “We’re delighted to be working with South Shore on this exciting new format. Many people struggle daily with extreme food fears and this new approach will change lives. Our viewers will be rooting for our food phobics and will be willing them to succeed, every step of the way.”
Adam Collings said: “We are hugely excited to be welcoming Dr Ranj to W and to be getting a rare glimpse into some of the extraordinary conditions that people are currently dealing with in the UK. It’s set to be a fascinating watch!”
Melanie Leach said: “We’re delighted to be working with Dr Ranj on our debut commission for UKTV. Extreme Food Phobics is an exciting new features format that we hope will help a cast of characters for whom food has become the enemy.”
The series will be distributed by ITV Studios.