VH1 orders 'Tough Love' spinoff

VH1 is extending its "Tough Love" boot-camp franchise tocouples.

In a spinoff, "Tough Love: Couples," professional matchmaker SteveWard and his mother JoAnn take five couples on the verge ofbecoming engaged and puts their relationships to the test. At theconclusion of the boot camp, Ward will deliver his verdict onwhether the couples are right for each other, though it's up to thecouples to decide whether to take his advice.

"Couples" has been picked up for eight hourlong episodes set topremiere in second-quarter 2010.

" 'Tough Love' has become a signature series for VH1 and one thathas resonated with millions of our viewers, resulting in thousandsof couples applying to be on the show in just the first few weeksof casting," said Jeff Olde, execvp programming at VH1. "We areexcited to take the next step with this series by taking the Wards'unfiltered honesty and matchmaking skills and apply those lessonsto couples about to take the big leap, despite some lingeringquestions."

The singles edition of "Love" premiered in March; VH1 ordered asecond season that debuted this fall.

"Couples" is executive produced by Jim Berger and Pamela Healey forHigh Noon Entertainment, and Nancy Juvonen, Drew Barrymore, EmberTruesdell and Chris Miller executive produce for Flower Films.Richard Hall also serves as executive producer with Steve and JoAnnWard. Olde, Jill Holmes and Noah Pollack executive produce forVH1.

The deal was repped by CAA.