BBC Worldwide and ABC Entertainment Announce The First-Ever "Dancing with the Stars" Online Game

LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BBC Worldwide and ABC Entertainment today announced the first ever free-to-play online game centered on the juggernaut reality-competition television show, "Dancing with the Stars." Titled "Dancing with the Stars: Keep Dancing," the game is available to play now on ABC.com/DancingWithTheStars and at DWTSKeepDancing.com. Concurrently, BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games will launch "Strictly Keep Dancing" in the UK, accompanying the format's original version, "Strictly Come Dancing."

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For the first time ever, fans of the show and social gamers from around the world will be able to take their moves to the dance floor, partnering with the show's professional dancers (Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson) and competing against friends and fellow fans to take home the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. The game allows players to customize their personal avatar complete with DWTS' award-winning makeup, hair and fantastic costumes. Sequins, heels, hair, lipstick, nutrition, publicity and more, make the experience as authentic as the television show. Players will learn different dance routines including the Samba, Jive and Tango, all while customizing each step to complete their dance routine.

Robert Nashak, EVP, BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games, commented, "'Dancing with the Stars' is a global pop culture phenomenon and developing this game has been a major initiative for our business. We've tried hard to create a fun and authentic experience that fully engages players in everything that it takes to be a celebrity contestant on the show."

"Fans can't get enough of 'Dancing with the Stars,' and this game allows them to become completely immersed in the experience," said Karin Gilford, Senior Vice President, Digital Media, ABC Television Network. "We think the ease of use, along with the degree to which fans can customize their own experience will make it an absolute obsession for anyone who has dreamed of taking a twirl under the mirror ball."

"Dancing with the Stars: Keep Dancing" is developed to present a realistic reflection of the show with special 3D graphics that bring the glitz and glamour to life, giving an experience that's as sexy, sassy and dramatic as the real thing. "Strictly Keep Dancing" will launch concurrently in the U.K., with players in both countries having access to play on the SCD and the DWTS dance floor. Over time, BBC Worldwide will roll out "Dancing with the Stars: Keep Dancing" to the 75 plus territories where DWTS is broadcast. Unique local versions will let players participate with the famed professional dancers on their local DWTS production.

The "Dancing with the Stars" format launched as "Strictly Come Dancing" in the U.K. in 2004. "Dancing with the Stars," produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, premiered on ABC in 2005 as the U.S. version of the smash hit series. Since then, the format has been licensed to more than 40 countries across six continents and has been broadcast in over 80 countries around the world. The Guinness Book of World Records announced in 2010 that "Dancing with the Stars"/ "Strictly Come Dancing" is officially the world's most successful reality TV format based on format sales, viewing figures and spin-off shows. The format was also named the most-watched entertainment show in the world by trade publication TBI in 2008. The show has been lauded by viewers and critics alike and has won countless awards. In 2009, "DWTS" made Emmy® history, garnering 10 nominations, the most for any non-fiction programming in a single award year.   Since 2006, the show has won eight Emmys, and has been nominated 48 times.  It has also been the recipient of two People's Choice Awards (2008 and 2009), the first ever Game Show Award (2009) and most recently, the 2012 NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Reality Series and the 2012 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Program.

Currently in season 14 on ABC, "Dancing with the Stars" is hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Brooke Burke-Charvet ("Dancing with the Stars" Season Seven Champion). Celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the "Dancing with the Stars" performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word "VOTE" and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply). "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline.

About BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games:

BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games is a core business within BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Launched in 2010 and headquartered in Los Angeles and London, the business works with top BBC brands to develop new opportunities across a wide range of gaming platforms. The business is responsible for the company's first MMO, Doctor Who: Worlds in Time and the multi-year partnership with Top Gear and Forza Motorsport, amongst many others.

Downloadable HD video clips of "Dancing with the Stars" will be posted to www.abcmedianet.com every Monday and Tuesday at approximately 9:00 p.m. PST. Photography request line 818.460.6611

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SOURCE BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games