BBC 2 'Ultimate Wedding Planner'
Toby Hawker announced as a contestant on a new BBC 2 show
Eight aspiring wedding planners, including Toby, will battle it out on BBC Two to become the Ultimate Wedding Planner, as six brave couples let them take control of their special day.
Toby Hawker: "What a crazy ride this experience was! I always had in my mind that wedding and event planning could be a natural progression for me when my stage career came to an end. I feel that a wedding shares the same core elements of a production show and all the things I'm passionate about - creativity, extravagance, people, emotions and stage presence!
I wanted to dive into the industry and the show not just because weddings make everyone so happy, but I knew it would challenge me in ways I hadn't been challenged before while providing me a platform to demonstrate some of my creative style off-stage and make a meaningful difference to the most important day of someone's life.
The whole experience changed my life and gave me clarity for a clear path ahead. It was such an emotional journey with many ups and downs. I'm excited but also anxious about it airing - I'm sure I'll be cringing like mad.”
Produced by BBC Studios Factual Entertainment Productions, the new BBC Studios format will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on August 8 at 9pm GMT.
'Ultimate Wedding Planner' will see eight wedding planners (including Toby) battle it out to prove they are Britain’s next best wedding expert as they design spectacular ceremonies for six couples.
Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies, First Dates favourite Fred Sirieix and wedding industry expert Raj Somaiya will be the judges and mentors - overseeing the planners as they create dream weddings for the couples. Throughout the competition they will send home the weakest planner until just two remain in the final where the planners will face one final challenge to decide who will be crowned the winner.
Catherine Catton, Head of Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment, says: “I’m delighted to have Sara, Fred and Raj at the helm of Master of Ceremonies. Between them they know everything there is to know about hospitality, crafting, business and event planning, making this an incredibly exciting opportunity for our wedding planners to learn from the best and kick-start their careers. This show is all about celebrating love and giving our couples a day they will never forget but make no mistakes – this is cutthroat competition and only the best planner will win!”
Sara Davies says: “Master of Ceremonies brings back that much needed romance and joy we have missed over the last couple of years. I can’t wait to see what our planners conjure up to create our couples’ dream day. I’ll be putting the wedding planners through their paces and making sure they create the perfect finishing touches. They’ll need to be imaginative, resourceful and able to react in an ever-changing environment but most importantly they better stay in budget!”
Raj Somaiya says: “Master of Ceremonies is a show like no other. Not only does it have the potential to change our wedding planner’s lives and elevate their careers but at the heart of it is couples hoping for the best day of their lives. I’m looking for creativity, lateral thinking and the ability to deliver that personal touch for our couples.”
Fred Sirieix says: “I am so excited to be a part of Master of Ceremonies. Our planners are going to have to bring their A game to deliver creative and beautiful, but also incredibly personal, ceremonies for our brilliant and deserving couples. The wedding industry is so competitive and hospitality has to be second to none. The stakes couldn’t be higher, this has to be the best day of our couples’ lives - so no pressure!”
Kat Lennox, Creative Director at BBC Studios, says “We’re so excited to bring this brand new format to the BBC Two audience. The challenge facing our wedding planners is huge in order for them to provide our couples with the most personal, unique and special wedding day. It’s high adrenaline and pressure and will push their creativity to the limit.
In Sara, Fred and Raj we have the perfect blend of knowledge and experience from across industries. I can’t think of a better trio to guide our planners.”
'Ultimate Wedding Planner' was commissioned for BBC Two and iPlayer by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment. The Executive Producer is Chi Ukairo, Creative Director is Kat Lennox and the Commissioning Editor is Ricky Cooper. The Series Producers are Tim Hancock and Alice Wheater.
Read more about the show and meet other contestants on the BBC website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2023/ultimate-wedding-planner-meet-the-planners/?fbclid=PAAaaKRJZz5823hcyqQL8JvcyF8hEVeMYpwCNcr4WIiBX1u9JcjNqP0sGDIfQ_aem_AQM7fxG-BNVM8xOJWDdIgPcVPv9CGK1pEE-SGzkyc7OBbtzhUUyv1VxnF99BtQbLuo8