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Channel 10 snaps up new soapie, Out Of The Blue

AUSTRALIAN viewers will see a new TV soap set in Manly after Channel Ten secured rights to a new series called 'Out Of The Blue' late today.

The BBC commissioned the series last year after it lost rights to Neighbours to rival channel 5 in a deal worth $750 million over eight years.

The BBC needed a replacement and ordered 130 episodes of the five night a week soap from Australian production company Southern Star Entertainment - but no local networks were involved.

But Ten executives - needing to boost 2008 local drama content - liked early rushes and snapped the series up and will air it mid year.

The series will feature a regular cast of 20 led by up and comer Miss Saigon/Stupid Stupid Man star Sophie Katinis, Zoe Carides (Grass Roots), Clayton Watson (Always Greener) and Daisy Betts (Sea Patrol).

Ten would either air five nights a week - possibly as a 6pm lead in to Neighbours - or be edited it into two one hour episodes per week.

The series is about old friends gathering for a school reunion who become embroiled in a murder mystery when one of their own is murdered at the party.

"We are thrilled to have secured Out Of The Blue," Ten Programming Chief David Mott said today.

"The BBC have a reputation for commissioning exceptional dramas and we look forward to working with them again after having formed a firm relationship over the years on Neighbours.

"Out Of The Blue has a great script, exciting casting and is a fresh and engaging series from the very first minute."

Southern Star chief executive, Hugh Marks said full production was about to begin in Manly.

"With our shoot starting just around the corner and having now been able to confirm our cast it's an exciting time for us to be able to welcome a great partner like TEN to this hugely ambitious project," he said.

By Marcus Casey
January 29, 2008
The Daily Telegraph