Rollem makes Fat Friends deal with Banijay Rights

17th July 2023

We are delighted to have brokered a deal with Banijay Rights for them to handle global distribution of the classic Kay Mellor series Fat Friends. The agreement is part of our commitment to continuing and celebrating Kay's incredible legacy, and we're delighted that this much-loved series will be available again to new and existing audiences across the world.

Banijay have announced their first major deal for the series with Britbox. Following a launch on Britbox Australia, Britbox UK has acquired all four seasons of which will be available as part of ITVx Premium.

Fat Friends was created by Kay Mellor, and produced by Rollem Productions in association with Tiger Aspect and Yorkshire Television. The series follows the lives of a group of Leeds-based slimming club members and their attempts to lose weight, and first aired on ITV in 2000 to an overnight audience of nearly 10 million viewers.

With an ensemble cast featuring Alison Steadman, Ruth Jones, James Cordon, Gaynor Faye and Josie Lawrence, the series went on to be nominated for two BAFTA TV Awards: Best Drama and Best Actress for Alison Steadman.

Fat Friends Series 1-4 will be available in the UK on Britbox via ITVx Premium

“ Fat Friends was one of those once-in-a-generation shows that simply galvanised the nation" ”
Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK and Eire - Banijay Rights

“ We're thrilled to have found the right home for the distribution of Fat Friends and it's wonderful that Kay's work continues to be enjoyed by audiences across the world ”
Yvonne Francas-Mellor (Managing Director)

In 2017, Kay Mellor adapted Fat Friends into a hit stage musical which toured the UK in 2017-18 to sell out audiences and critical acclaim. The musical starred Jodie Prenger, Freddie Flintoff, Sam Bailey, Kevin Kennedy and Natasha Hamilton.

“ The overall message of the show is to love yourself - lumps, bumps and all! **** ”
Manchester Evening News (of Fat Friends The Musical, 2018)

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