Rapid Blue ups Refiloe Montso to chief operating officer and Grant Flynn as chief creative officer

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African production company Rapid Blue has upped Refiloe Montso to chief operating officer and Grant Flynn as chief creative officer from December 2025.

Rapid Blue, part of BBC Studios, was founded in 1993, and delivers shows like Come Dine with Me South Africa to BBC Studios Africa for channels like BBC Lifestyle and is currently producing Die Kantoor as the Afrikaans version of The Office for MultiChoice's Showmax and kykNET (DStv 144).

Reliloe Montso joined Rapid Blue as business and legal affairs manager in 2024. Grant Flynn joined Rapid Blue in 2021.

Jacob De Boer, executive vice president for global production at BBC Studios, in a supplied quote on the appointments, says "Refiloe and Grant bring great complementary skillsets and a dynamic partnership that will strengthen Rapid Blue's position as a leader in African television".

"Their combined expertise ensures the company continues to thrive in an evolving media landscape and I'm confident in the future success of our South African production business."

Refiloe Montso says "I'm thrilled to take on this responsibility and continue building on Rapid Blue's legacy of delivering world-class content. Our focus remains on creating stories that resonate deeply with audiences across Africa and beyond".

Grant Flynn says "This is an exciting chapter for Rapid Blue. With Refiloe and the incredible team, we are committed to pushing creative boundaries and producing shows that entertain, inspire, and connect people. Our team is passionate about storytelling and we can't wait to share what’s next".

BBC Studios Africa expands real estate reality series franchise with Listing Coastal South Africa

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios Africa has expanded its Southern Africa Listing real estate franchise with Listing Coastal South Africa which will air on its BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) channel later in 2025.

The Listing series is produced by PD Production for BBC Studios Africa. Listing Coastal South Africa will have 10 episodes.

Listing Coastal South Africa follows after Listing Jozi, Listing Cape Town of which the second season is currently on BBC Lifestyle, as well as Listing Mauritius.

According to BBC Studios Africa, Listing Coastal South Africa will show viewers property for sale along South Africa's coastline, including the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, including the Garden Route "all the way to the southernmost tip of Africa and the rugged charm of the West Coast".

Listing Coastal South Africa is billed as showcasing "a visual feast of architectural brilliance and coastal opulence.

"The series will spotlight South Africa's most luxurious properties nestled along the coast, offering a rare glimpse into the lifestyles of those who call these coastal paradises home. Viewers will get the chance to follow agents as they do what it takes to sell a suite of luxury homes."

Nico Nel, producer of Listing Coastal South Africa says "Listing Coastal will tell a new story of South Africa's coastline through the lens of luxury living".

"Each region has its own unique charm with incredible homes, and we're excited to bring that to life for BBC Lifestyle this year."

Trevor Kaplan, producer of Listing Coastal, says "We're venturing into areas that haven't traditionally been in the spotlight, and what we've found so far during filming is nothing short of extraordinary. These properties are world-class and so are the agents."

Pierre Cloete, BBC Studios Africa vice president, says "We're proud to continue championing premium local content that tells authentic, compelling stories".

"Listing Coastal South Africa builds on the success of the Listing franchise on BBC Lifestyle, further expanding our lineup of local shows on the channel."

"This exciting new instalment brings a fresh perspective, celebrating the breathtaking beauty of South Africa's coastline, while maintaining the exceptional quality, creativity, and storytelling our audiences know and love. I can't wait for everyone to see it."

We’ve Got Your Festive TV Line-up Ready with BBC Studios this December

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If a cosy festive celebration at home is right up your alley, then BBC Studios has an exciting lineup of Christmas specials this December to keep you and your loved ones entertained for hours on end.

As 2024 draws to a close, year-end becomes a time when we spend more time with friends and family, getting into the holiday spirit and celebrating the achievements of the year.

This holiday season, why not make the most of your time with your loved ones by settling in for an unforgettable line-up of festive entertainment with BBC Studios channels, available on DStv and DStv Catch Up? 

From laugh-out-loud comedies, suspicious mysteries, head-scratching game shows, and a lot of scrumptious food and banter, don’t miss the best entertainment for the whole family on BBC Brit (DStv 120), BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174), BBC UKTV (DStv 114), BBC Earth (DStv 184) and CBeebies (DStv 306).

What’s on this Christmas?

Explore BBC Studios’ hand-picked schedule of brand-new and classic shows to make DStv or DStv Catch Up your ultimate Christmas destination: 

Sunday, 15 December 2024

20:00 – Kirstie's Handmade Christmas: Special: 2023

BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174

British presenter, Kirstie Allsopp provides a flurry of jovial festive fun - with enough competitions, makes, decorations, gifts, food and drink to inspire every kind of crafter.

Monday, 16 December 2024

20:00 - The Great Pottery Throw Down Special: Christmas 2023

BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174

Four celebs roll up their sleeves and take on two yuletide challenges set by judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller.

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 

 

19:00 – Nigella's Amsterdam Christmas

BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174

With family ties to Amsterdam, celebrity cook Nigella Lawson returns for a special Christmas treat when she travels to the Venice of the North to enjoy the festive season. Nigella visits her favourite places, picks up special ingredients for her festive feasting and makes traditional Dutch dishes.

 

Saturday, 21 December 2024

19:00 – The Great British Bake Off: Christmas Specials 2022 

BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174

Famous faces from The Great British Bake Off history compete for the Christmas Star Baker title.

21:00 – Christmas in New York: Inside the Plaza 

BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174

An access-all-areas look at how Christmas comes to life at one of the most famous hotels in the world, the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York, at their busiest time of the year where the guests expect a five-star service like no other.

 

Christmas Eve (Tuesday, 24 December 2024)

19:00 – Would I Lie to You? Season 11 Christmas Special

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

Enjoy a hilarious evening of outrageous truths and unbelievable lies with this classic quiz show, hosted by Welsh actor and comedian, Rob Brydon.

19:00 – The Great British Bake Off: Christmas Special: 2023

BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith celebrate Christmas with the 'Baker Ghosts of Christmas Past', in a festive fete. 

Christmas Day (Wednesday, 25 December 2024)

18:00 – Weakest Link Christmas Special

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

British Comedian, Romesh Ranganathan brings his festive cheer to a star-studded Christmas special of The Weakest Link. Find out who will rise to the challenge and who will hear the dreaded words: "You are the weakest link."

19:00 – Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

Experience the sparkle, sequins, and sensational performances as Strictly adds a festive twist! 

Boxing Day (Thursday, 26 December 2024)

19:00 – The Masked Singer Christmas Special

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

Can you guess which celebrity is hiding behind the mask? Join the fun and festive suspense on the big entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. 

Friday, 27 December 2024

20:35 – QI Christmas Special

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

Sandi Toksvig hosts the ultimate quiz show full of witty banter and fascinating facts. 

Monday, 30 December 2024

20:00 – Death in Paradise Christmas Special

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as we return to the sun-drenched Saint Marie, joining the police team and a new Detective Inspector for a festive feature-length Death In Paradise Christmas special. 

New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, 31 December 2024)

21:00 – Mrs Brown’s Boys: New Year 2024: New Year, New Mammy

BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120

Kickstart your New Year with outrageous humour and heartfelt family moments with Mrs Brown and her three boys.

Keep the festive times rolling with BBC Studios, the home of exceptional British entertainment that offers an eclectic mix of shows for the whole family, full of food, game shows, shiny floor, lifestyle, drama and so much more.

Catch all the fun on DStv or DStv Catch Up, in case you missed some of your favourites. Let BBC Studios bring the joy of Christmas to your home this festive season.

For more information, visit BBC Studios Africa.

Or follow these social media pages:

IG: @bbcstudiosafrica

Facebook: BBC Lifestyle and BBC Brit Africa

X (Twitter): @BBCS_Africa

TikTok: @bbc.africa.channel

BBC Studios achieves standout growth in Africa for its linear channel business, reach on DStv up by 14%, on SABC3 up 24% in 2024

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios says it has achieved record-breaking performance for its linear channel business, with standout growth in Africa, alongside remarkable results across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.

In Africa, BBC Studios' linear portfolio on MultiChoice's DStv - including the BBC Lifestyle, BBC Brit, BBC UKTV, BBC Earth, and BBC News TV channels - expanded its reach by +14% in 2024.

According to BBC Studios, this growth marks the highest-ever performance for CBeebies and BBC UKTV, while BBC Lifestyle achieved its best results since 2017. 

Additionally, BBC Primetime, a bespoke two-hour content block on SABC3, has increased its reach by 24% compared to the same period last year.

According to BBC Studios, in the Netherlands, BBC First - BBC Studios' premium drama channel in the Netherlands - saw 2024 topping 2023 as its biggest year since launching in 2015. The channel has delivered a 2.3% 4+ market share to date in 2024, up +16% from last year.

In Poland, BBC Studios' channel portfolio of BBC Earth, BBC Brit, BBC First, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies is also on track to deliver its highest share in 2024 (0.82%, 4+) since the portfolio launched in 2015.

Here BBC Earth and BBC First delivered the highest annual share ever in 2024.

In the Nordics, BBC Nordic - BBC Studios' multi-genre linear channel available in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland - has ranked as the biggest international channel in its competitive set in Norway in October and November. 

In November, the channel delivered the highest share since launch (1.2%, 4+), and the channel has seen a +53% increase in share in 2024 compared to 2023, when it launched.

Arran Tindall, chief commercial officer, EVP, EMEA Key Markets, in a statement, says "2024 has been a record year for our channels business in EMEA".

"We have seen incredible numbers across our whole channel portfolio in the Netherlands, Poland, Africa and the Nordics, and I am extremely proud of the growth we have seen this year."

"This success is a testament to BBC Studios' extensive breadth of high-quality content and the careful curation by our teams to deliver engaging schedules that resonate with local tastes and audiences in each of our markets."

BBC dubs CBeebies kids content into isiZulu, Sesotho, Tsonga and Afrikaans for September.

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios Africa is dubbing some of its kids' content on CBeebies (DStv 306) into several South African languages besides English for September, including isiZulu, Sesotho, Tsonga and Afrikaans.

CBeebies will air several popular shows in isiZulu, Sesotho, Tsonga and Afrikaans between 2 and 29 September, daily between 19:00 and 21:00.

The shows being dubbed for kids to watch in their home languages include Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans), The Elves and the Shoemaker (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans), The Enormous Radish (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans), The Fox and the Hen (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans), The Magic Porridge Pot (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans) and The Ugly Duckling (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans).

Also getting dubbed are Three Little Pigs (Isizulu, Sesotho, Tsonga, Afrikaans) as well as an episode of the hugely popular Bluey having its second season's 26th episode dubbed into isiZulu.

BBC Africa will also make the dubbed episodes available on its BBC Studios Africa YouTube channel.

BBC Africa getting into dubbing of kids' content follows what Paramount Africa started doing with shows like Spongebob Squarepants also being seen and heard on its kids channels like Nickelodeon in isiZulu and Afrikaans.

The BBC's CBeebies is a pre-school channel on DStv, providing children aged six years and under a range of programming that encourages learning through play.

Pierre Cloete, BBC Studios Africa commercial director, says "To mark heritage month and celebrate the diversity of our nation, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our African languages with the help of our pre-school channel, CBeebies".

"As CBeebies is for little learners, translating a selection of the Sleepy Time Stories into 4 languages will allow our little viewers and parents to learn or develop their language skills while enjoying the shows throughout September."

eMedia's Openview adds BBC Studios' BBC UKTV as a British free-to-air TV channel in South Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios and eMedia's Openview free-to-air satellite service in South Africa will be adding BBC UKTV from 18 October 2022 as Openview and BBC Studio's first free-to-view channel in South Africa.

Openview used to carry BBC World News but Openview dumped that very well-liked TV news channel after a while.

BBC UKTV will be added to Openview on channel 114 from 18 October which will be the BBC's 100th birthday. Neither Openview nor BBC Studios are saying for how long the initial channel carriage agreement is.

BBC UKTV's programming will include a variety of entertainment, soaps, documentaries and children's shows. 

BBC Studios Africa already has a well-established set of TV channels on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, including BBC World News, BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle, BBC Earth and CBeebies.

BBC Kids has been added for MTN customers in South Africa recently. In Australia and New Zealand the version of BBC UKTV is a pay-TV channel.

BBC Studios says that the BBC UKTV's schedule for South Africa is compiled to "match the viewing habits of families in South Africa".

On BBC UKTV there will be a lot of shows DStv subscribers have seen, ranging from factual entertainment like The Great British Bake Off (season 8) and cooking shows Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook and Mary Berry Cooks to motoring shows such as Million Dollar Car Hunters on Thursdays at 20:55 and classic Top Gear (season 19) which will air weekdays at 20:00.

The British hospital based soap Casualty (season 36) will debut in South Africa every Thursday at 18:20 and Doctors (season 22) will premiere weekdays at 19:00.

The long-running sitcom My Family (season 1) joins the channel launch line-up which follows the trials and tribulations of a British family, starring American-British actress Zoë Wanamake and British actor Kris Marshall airing at 06:00 and 19:30 every day.

Viewers will be able to experience the BBC's incredible natural history collection every day at 09:00 and weekdays from 15:35. These will include the BBC Studios Natural History Unit's nature documentary Wild Africa weekdays at 15:35 to unique local travelogue exploring Africa, Africa with Ade Adepitan, Tuesdays at 21:00. 

There will also be a selection of Sir David Attenborough's fascinating docuseries; Big Bird, Giant Dinosaur, Giant Egg, Fabulous Frogs and Natural Curiosities on BBC UKTV later in 2022.

For children up to 12 there will be kids entertainment between 06:00 and 09:00, including the first seasons of the action-packed geographical adventure, Go Jetters, children's cookery show, My World Kitchen, wildlife show, Andy’s Safari Adventures and My Pet & Me which helps children appreciate what it really means to have a pet.

"We are proud to partner with Openview to launch our first ever free-to-view channel in South Africa," says Arran Tindall, senior vice president, for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) key market region at BBC Studios.

"The launch will enable us to reach wider audiences utilising the richness of the BBC's catalogue across multiple genres. I can't wait for new families in South Africa to experience the very best of British content and discover their new favourite shows."

Pierre Cloete, BBC Studios Africa commercial director, says "I am so excited for even more families in South Africa to access BBC Studios' incredible catalogue of bold, British shows".

"From British soaps, fascinating documentaries and children's shows, BBC UKTV has been carefully crafted to match the viewing habits of the whole family, providing all age groups entertainment at every moment of the day."

Marlon Davids, group executive for programming, says "Openview is a growing platform and constantly adding new channels and genres to appeal to a broad audience".

"Earlier this year we added eXposed, ePlesier and The Home Channel+. We are pleased and excited to give our audiences even more choice, and more of the best in world-class entertainment with the addition of BBC UKTV."

IN IMAGES. The BBC Studios Africa Summer 2022 upfront in 37 photos and 9 videos and channel sizzle reels.

by Thinus Ferreira

BBC Studios Africa held its Summer 2022 upfront, branded "A BBC Studios Experience" at the Langhams conference centre in Fourways Johannesburg, unveiling the new programming line-up for the BBC's linear TV channels available on MultiChoice DStv pay-TV service for the next few months.

Pierre Cloete, commercial director for BBC Studios Africa, and Sarah-Jane Harling, BBC Studios Africa advertising accounts director, hosted ad buyers, ad planners and the media, as guests enjoyed a 5-course culinary feast prepared by chef Jacques Muller from Ginger Grape.

The absolutely incredible Show Works Creative Entertainment events company was responsible for the flawless TV upfront presentation showcasing the content that advertisers can be a part of through MultiChoice's DStv Media Sales division.

The Summer 2022 upfront experience had both an outdoor spring grass setting, as well as a sit-down inside setting where showstopper, experiential course meals all prepared as food art dazzled guests and were linked to various BBC TV channels and sizzle reels being shown.

This was perfection: A British TV upfront presentation, done in South Africa, in the style in which American television do their show-and-tell presentations about their content to the media and advertisers.

ALSO READ: BBC Studios Africa unveils its Summer 2022 slate: Come Dine with Me SA, Prince William conservation series and Frozen Planet II in early-2023.