Sky 1 HD today (Friday 22 June, 2012) Sky 1 HD announces three further commissions to the factual entertainment strand WINNERS as A CUT ABOVE (1 x 60), SHOW PONIES (1 x 60) and BLOWN AWAY (1 x 60) are added to the series.

Following the announcement of CHEERLEADERS and ICING ON THE CAKE these three further one-off specials continue to build on Sky's commitment to increase its investment in original British content by 50% over the next three years

A CUT ABOVE follows the fortunes of a dedicated band of extremely competitive hairdressers as they descend on Bournemouth in late April for the National Federation of Hairdressers regional Bournemouth and Reading Competition.  This warm and engaging special is from Storyvault Films, the executive producers are Mark Sammon and Sam Richards. The producer/director is Moby Longinotto. Sadia Butt is the commissioning editor for Sky.

SHOW PONIES tracks the horse mad families who travel from the far flung corners of the country sacrificing sleep, money and family unity to do battle on the showing circuit. Armed with tweed, ribbons, and make-up this feature shows how this equestrian industry is driven by a small army of exceptional mothers determined to secure their child’s success. This feature comes from Smoking Pony, Rebecca Welsh is the executive producer. Bernadette Morley is the commissioning editor for Sky.

In BLOWN AWAY more than sixty bands travel to Bradford for the annual Yorkshire Brass Band Championships. This film will take Sky customers inside the obsession for four very different bands as ‘banding’ is not just a hobby for these enthusiastic competitors, but a way of life. This contemporary, character-lead feature comes from Crocodile Media, the executive producer is Rachel Boyd. Bernadette Morley is the commissioning editor for Sky.  

Michele Kurland, Head of Factual Entertainment for Sky: “This series of very special one-off features is driven by superb characters that reflect a characteristically British sense of competitiveness. Warm, celebratory and with access to all walks of life, Sky customers will be immersed in worlds full of charm, coveted rosettes and those that live to lift the winning cup.”     

By 2014, Sky expects to invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels.  This commitment follows the success of home-grown comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and STELLA, entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, and factual shows including ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD, AN IDIOT ABROAD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D.

WINNERS is exclusively on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 this autumn. Following the addition of Sky 1 HD to Sky Go, customers will also be able to watch on the move on a range of internet connected devices.

For further information please contact

Rowan Adams - Senior Publicist, Sky1 HD, Sky Living HD
T: 020 7032 3078
E: rowan.adams@bskyb.com