BBC takes key programmes live to make event millions

02 September 2008

BBC Worldwide is in early planning stages to create live versions of up to 20 of its programmes after the successful start of its £20million Top Gear Live world tour.

Current popular BBC shows including Countryfile, Saturday Kitchen, Planet Earth, Last Choir Standing and Doctor Who are rumoured to be in line for similar multi-million tours.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May launched the Top Gear Live world tour in an armoured personnel carrier that travelled across Tower Bridge on 1 September.

"The key thing in live events is the wonderful way it allows us to interact directly with the audience," said BBC Worldwide head of communications of home entertainment Philip Fleming.

BBC Worldwide is the commercial arm of the BBC. Fleming did not confirm which programmes would be taken on the road.

The live version of Strictly Come Dancing launched early this year and Cbeebies Live has been held for the past few years.