The production of Channel 4 daytime series, Chateau DIY, is to move to Yorkshire.
The broadcaster has signed a 2 year deal with Spark Media Partners, which created the franchise in 2018, to run it through its Sheffield-based outpost, Spark Media North.
“Chateau DIY continues to delight audiences and I am looking forward to working with the Spark Media North team to bring more episodes to screen over the next two years,” said Leeds based Senior Commissioning Editor for Lifestyle, Jayne Stanger.
Stanger recommissioned the show with Jo Street, Director of Commissioning for Nations and Regions.
Spark’s Chief Creative Officer, Joff Hatfield-Powell, who’s been based in Sheffield since 2020, will continue to serve as Exec Producer with Richard Park as Series Editor and Izzy Boots as Line Producer.
“Chateau DIY is a well-loved franchise that continues to deliver on linear and streaming so I am delighted with Channel 4’s increased commitment for more and I’m extremely excited to be working with Jo and Jayne as we relocate the brand to our Northern office and continue Spark Media North’s efforts to grow and nurture non-scripted creatives in the regions,” said Hatfield-Powell, who has helmed Chateau DIY since its launch and created each of its spin-offs.
Chateau DIY films people restoring ancient chateaux from all areas of France. Historically the main series has been commissioned as 30 hour-long episodes, but the order has been expanded to 45 episodes each series, for the next two years.
Streaming figures for Chateau DIY series 7 are up 30% series on series and the show also aired in Channel 4’s 5pm slot in 2024, securing a peak audience share of 8% and across the series averaged 622,000 audience comfortably above the 480,000 channel benchmark.
Chateau DIY at Christmas first launched in 2021. As part of the bumper recommission, the festive franchise will continue with another two, five-part series for 2024 & 2025.
