MTV has commissioned a Liverpool-based version of lairy reality series 'Geordie Shore', entitled 'Mersey Shore'.
MTV has commissioned a Liverpool-based version of 'Geordie Shore'.
After the success of the reality TV series - which has pulled in the channel's largest adult audiences in three years - TV bosses have decided to launch a Scouse spin-off of the controversial Newcastle show, entitled 'Mersey Shore'.
Both programmes are based on hit US series 'Jersey Shore' and document the rows, romps and booze-filled exploits of eight housemates living together.
Despite 'Geordie Shore' attracting criticism for its stereotypical portrayal of people from the North East of England, MTV chiefs are convinced the Liverpudlian version of the show will be just as popular with viewers.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Scousers are always up for a drink and a night on the tiles. We think 'Mersey Shore' will be just as explosive as 'Jersey' and 'Geordie Shores'."
Bosses are already considering who will star in the reality series, and are said to be desperate to sign up Eton Road singer Anthony Hannah and former 'Hollyoaks' star Candy McCulloch - as well as two of footballer Wayne Rooney's cousins, cross-dresser Stephen Rooney and glamour model Natalie Rooney.
In addition to a Liverpudlian spin-off, MTV are also sending the 'Geordie Shore' cast - Jay Gardner, Gaz Beadle, Vicky Pattison, Charlotte Crosby, James Tindale, Greg Lake, Sophie Kasaei, and Holly Hagan - to Magaluf for a summer special.
The eight loudmouth stars will film two episodes of the reality series in the Majorcan holiday resort, which will see them enjoying frolics and fun in the sun, as well as working in a souvenir shop popular with British tourists.
The Only Way Is Essex has a lot to answer for.
Though its first series was an enjoyable and highly stupid trek through the very nadir of reality television stylings, in its wake it unknowingly produced a slew of imitators. TOWIE proved to TV Executives that American shows like The Hills and the Real Housewives franchise can successfully translate to less glamorous UK locations. And so, as result, we've seen the likes of Made In Chelsea and Geordie Shore grace our screens, with critics taking note of the diminishing returns in the wake of TOWIE's successful opening.
Taking the Geordie Shore brand and running with it - that title itself an imitation of the US MTV effort, Jersey Shore - reports are flying around (principally from The Sun) that we're set to enjoy Mersey Shore on a small screen near us soon.
More regional fun with local people! The source is quoted as saying:
"Scousers are always up for a drink and a night on the tiles. We think 'Mersey Shore' will be just as explosive as 'Jersey' and 'Geordie Shores'"
The Sun also claims that casting agents for the show are looking around for eligible Scousers to take lead roles in their latest fantasy / reality offering. Obvious choices are Wayne relatives Natalie Rooney and Stephen Rooney - the former a glamour model and the latter a flamboyant cross-dresser. Also apparently in the network's line of sight are Hollyoaks and Eton Road stars.
Geordie Shore was a ratings success for the cable and satellite channel, by their standards, so they'll be hoping to pull off the same kind of horror-magnet trick again this time around. Whether those tuning in will be rubber-necking car crash attendees or genuinely interested parties remains to be seen. Actually, it could be said that sometimes the two factions are one and the same thing.
Geordie Shore, which has only been airing for a month, has been a huge success for MTV. With 330,000 viewers it has become the channel’s most watched programme in the last few years, so it’s hardly surprising that they’ve decided to strike while the iron’s hot and commission a spin-off - This time based in Liverpool.
Both shows follow the format of MTV’s Jersey Shore, (The one which gave us some Snooki and The Situation… complete nutters) whereby eight loud, charismatic, party animals get put into one house. We then follow them as they go on big boozy nights out, pair off and have blazing rows! It’s compelling viewing…
It has been reported in The Sun that the producers are trying to get some of the Rooney family in the new line up – particularly glamour model Natalie Rooney and cross-dressing Stephen Rooney (cousins of England football player Wayne Rooney).
Insiders of the show think that the Mersey version of the show will be just as punchy and wild as the previous Shores, saying, “Scousers are always up for a drink and a night on the tiles. We think Mersey Shore will be just as explosive as Jersey and Geordie Shores.”
The programme-makers Lime Pictures also produce Hollyoaks, which is also filmed in Liverpool – we wonder if there’ll be a few cameos thrown into the mix… we hope so!
Are you loving these new drama-filled reality TV programmes? Are they your new guilty pleasure? Or would you rather sit at home plucking your nose hair out than sit watching one?
We think they’re extremely addictive…
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