BBC Orders Car-Themed Game Show With ‘Top Gear’s’ The Stig

The BBC on Tuesday said it has ordered hourlong car-themed Saturday night entertainment show The Getaway Car.

It is set to air in 2016, with the public broadcaster commissioning 12 episodes. Former U.K. X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary will host the show, which will feature Top Gear character the Stig.

The move adds another motoring show to the BBC’s lineup as it updates Top Gear after the firing of host Jeremy Clarkson who, along with his two co-presenters, recently struck a deal to bring a car show to Amazon.

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On Top Gear, the Stig’s role includes setting lap times for cars tested on the show. The person playing the character is typically kept a secret, but the identity of two past Stigs, who were replaced on the show, became known.

The Getaway Car is a “funny, fast-paced and action-packed competition where only the best get to face the legend that is the Stig,” the BBC said in a show description.

The show will see “couples compete in a series of exciting driving challenges that test the limits of their relationships behind the wheel of a car,” it said. “Can married couples, grandparents and grandchildren, brothers and sisters or best friends work together to scoop the top prize? Or for that matter, will they still be talking afterwards?”

Said O’Leary: “This is a show that’s really about relationships. We all think we are great drivers, but what tickled me most is seeing how people, who obviously love each other very much, speak to each other when they are behind the wheel of a car. It brings out the worst in all of us — but in a fun way. It’s a warm show that will stretch a family’s patience with those they love most in the world. I had a whale of a time doing the pilot and now can’t wait to make the series.”

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Charlotte Moore, controller of BBC One, said: “The Getaway Car is a really fun, new adrenaline-charged entertainment show for BBC One. It’s very exciting to welcome both Dermot O’Leary and the Stig to Saturday nights on BBC One.”

U.K. network chiefs have said it has been challenging finding successful weekend entertainment shows in recent years. BBC Worldwide is the global distributor and holds the format rights for The Getaway Car.