ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is bringing a refreshed version of ITV Studios’ primetime entertainment format Saturday Night Takeaway to MIPTV 2013, after the show successfully returned on ITV in the UK on February 23, with a peak audience of 8.1 million and averaging 7.1 million across the show, making it the most watched programme of the night and ITV’s highest rating Saturday night show so far this year.

“Saturday Night Takeaway is a proven international hit format which offers a real alternative to the talent shows. The UK ratings success demonstrates that there is still an appetite for a feel-good, family primetime entertainment show and we look forward to presenting the refreshed show to buyers at MIPTV,” said Director of International Formats for ITV Studios, Mike Beale.

Saturday Night Takeaway previously aired in nine territories worldwide, including China (Hunan TV), Finland (MTV3) and Belgium (VTM). The show originally launched on ITV in the UK in 2002 and ran for nine series with high ratings that outperformed the channel’s primetime average across all demographics. A fast-paced, high-energy show packed with big surprises, exciting challenges and celebrity guests, Saturday Night Takeaway is hosted by well known entertainers with audience members chosen at random to participate in challenges and fans at home receiving surprise visits with the chance to win great prizes.