A NEW Gaelic gameshow with a Traitors twist is to launch this month in a boost to Scotland’s screen sector.
The show is BBC Alba's first foray into high energy studio gameshows and although it features Gaelic speakers, it is hoped it will also capture a non-Gaelic speaking audience.
Produced in partnership with Glasgow-based BEEZR Studios and Screen Scotland, Mas Fhìor (pronounced “masheer”) is a fast-paced quiz where more than general knowledge is required to win.
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The pairs of Gaelic-speaking contestants from across the UK are tested on what they know but don’t know who they can trust, just like the Faithfuls in the hit TV show The Traitors.
At the heart of the game are the Pretenders, known in Gaelic as the Mas Fhìoraich, who are on a mission to fox the contestants, leaving teams to decide what’s true, what’s false and who is bluffing their way to victory.
Each episode sees two teams battle it out through a series of deceptive challenges, weighing up credibility, confidence and cunning as they attempt to outsmart both their opponents and the Mas Fhìoraich, all for the chance to take home a cash prize.
Recorded at the cutting-edge virtual production facility, Night Sky Studios in Coatbridge, the series is hosted by popular BBC Alba and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal presenter Niall Iain MacDonald, whose quick-witted, fast-talking style keeps the pace high and the pressure firmly on.
BBC Alba commissioning editor Bill MacLeod, said: “Viewers will want to lean in and play along, all the while getting to know the quirky personalities of our regular panel of Pretenders. The new show really underlines our commitment to delivering original, high-production-value entertainment.
“We’re thrilled that the creative team at BEEZR Studios have developed this unique, home-grown format specially for BBC Alba and we’re especially grateful for the support of Screen Scotland in its development and production.
“With a cast of amazing Gaels from across the country and a quick-witted, fast-talking host in the shape of Niall Iain, Mas Fhìor promises to be another example of world-class TV and original entertainment from Scotland.”
Alasdair MacCuish, executive producer at BEEZR Studios said the quiz rewards “personality, quick-thinking and a love of language as much as general knowledge”.
“Working with BBC Alba and Screen Scotland, BEEZR has created an innovative and bold new format, which takes advantage new technology to bring scale and ambition,” he said.
“As a result, Mas Fhìor feels fresh and contemporary while being squarely rooted in communities across Scotland.”
Emily Orr from Screen Scotland added: “It’s fantastic to be able to support the team at BEEZR Studios to showcase their abilities across this new format and we can’t wait for audiences to enjoy Mas Fhìor.”
Mas Fhìor will broadcast on BBC Alba from February 17, with new episodes airing weekly.
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