“Blow Up” is the latest competitive format to be announced for Australian television, with the Seven Network commissioning it to screen next year.
The balloon art competition has already screened in the Netherlands, with production by EndemolShine Nederland.
In Australia, Endemol Shine Australia will produce “Blow Up” for the Seven Network.
The show will be hosted by acclaimed actor Stephen Curry and comedian Becky Lucas, alongside resident balloon expert Chris Adamo and a host of celebrity guest judges. The format puts the nation’s greatest balloon artists, decorators and twisters against each other in a variety of challenges to turn ordinary balloons into extraordinary works of art.
Angus Ross, chief content officer for entertainment programming at Seven said “Blow Up” will be a breath of fresh air for Australian television.
“It has the wow factor, heart and humour that we know will captivate families around the country as they discover the astounding world of balloon artistry,” he said.
Peter Newman, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, added: “’Blow Up’ will take Australian families into a brilliant new world bursting with joy, fun and supersized balloon sculptures that must be seen to be believed.”
Host Lucas, meanwhile, said the show will be unlike anything people have ever seen.
“There is something very exciting about being involved in showcasing the talents of these balloon artists. I can’t wait to platform the insanely talented people who dedicate their lives to a fairly unknown art form purely for the joy of it,” she said.
Curry added: “’Blow Up’ is a celebration of artistry, skill, design and unbridled imagination. I’m so incredibly excited to be embarking on this bonkers adventure with Becky and these exceptionally talented artists, which is sure to remind me once again of my distinct lack of any discernible skills whatsoever. Rest assured, this is not ‘balloon animals and pirate swords’ – this is full scale, high-art balloon sculpture. These artists are the Thoroughbreds of the Inflatable Arts.”
