80s party game being turned into new game show by ITV with Mel Giedroyc as host
ITV will be bringing a classic 80s party game to life as a new game show.
Mel Giedroyc has been snapped up to present the new programme.
Based on the popular Mattel board game, Pictionary will be launching on ITV1 and ITVX at the end of this year.
The format will see Mel joined by two celebrity team captains, each joined by a team of contestants.
Meanwhile, the aim is to draw images matching a word or phrase from a specific category.
From this, teammates will have to guess correctly in order to score.
The charades-inspired guessing game was first released to the public back in 1985.
Host Mel said: “Everyone is familiar with Pictionary, and I am so excited to help bring the game to life on television.
“It is such a pleasure to be a part of and I know people will love the show.”
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV, added: “I am thrilled we are bringing this much loved game show to the UK.
“It’s perfect for all the family to enjoy and play along at home. With Mel Giedroyc at the helm, ‘Pictionary’ is in the hands of a true entertainer.
“Her infectious energy and quick wit make her the perfect choice to host the show.”
The new programme will initially launch in December with a Christmas special.
Afterwards, series one will then include a run of 24 episodes.
Meanwhile, Mel, 56, has been a familiar face on viewers’ screens for many years.
She is well-known for her comedy partnership with fellow comic Sue Perkins.
The pair hosted The Great British Bake Off during the show’s BBC days.
Mel Giedroyc's career so far
By Conor O’Brien
Actress, comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc is a familiar face to TV viewers.
Well-known for her long-running comedy partnership with Sue Perkins, Mel has also carved out a solo career.
Here are some of Mel’s most notable projects during her career.
- Light Lunch (1997 to 1999): A comedy chat show airing on Channel 4, Mel presented the series alongside Sue Perkins. It was later known as Late Lunch from March 1998 to March 1999.
- The Great British Bake Off (2010 to 2016): Mel and Sue hosted the popular baking competition during its BBC days. They, along with judge Mary Berry, bowed out upon the show’s move to Channel 4.
- Sadie J (2011 to 2014): In an acting role, Mel played supporting character “Ms. V” in this CBBC series. The character is a strict Russian woman who owns a diner visited by the main characters.
- Have I Got News For You (2013, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023): Mel has guest presented the BBC One panel show on five occasions. Her appearances span a decade, from 2013 to 2023.
- Taskmaster (2017): Mel appeared in series four of the hit comedy panel game show alongside Hugh Dennis, Lolly Adefope, Joe Lycett and eventual winner (and Bake Off successor), Noel Fielding.
- Pictionary (2024 – present): For ITV, Mel is presenting the game show version of popular board game Pictionary. It follows a US version presented by actor Jerry O’Connell.
In addition, Mel and Sue helmed their own chat show for ITV, which ran for one series.
They also presented Light Lunch for Channel 4 from 1997 to 1998.
Pictionary’s arrival on UK screens follows a successful run in the United States.
Hosted by actor Jerry O’Connell, the Stateside iteration is currently in its third series.