A Gordon Ramsay TV show is set to create hundreds of jobs and bring more than €30 million to Irish TV production.
The announcement, made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, confirmed that the new global hub for FOX Entertainment’s US hit cooking competition series Next Level Chef will be a purpose-built, brand-new sound stage at Ashford Studios, Co. Wicklow.
Just renewed for its third and fourth seasons, 'Next Level Chef' will be produced by Studio Ramsay with BiggerStage as the production company.
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FOX Entertainment has produced more than 60 hours of primetime US programming in Ireland in the last 18 months, supporting more than two dozen Irish businesses and creating over 300 hundred jobs.
A recent Economic Impact Assessment conducted by PWC highlights the immediate opportunity for unscripted production to become a €300m - €500m industry delivering hundreds of jobs and driving investment in skills, training, infrastructure and regional development should the right "fiscal incentive be put in place."
At the launch event, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the announcement as a "momentous occasion for international television production in Ireland."
He said: "The last number of years have seen a surge in the sector which is now matched with unparalleled investment from FOX Entertainment and over 300 jobs in the creative industry.
"Ireland is perfectly placed to become a global hub for unscripted productions. Our membership of the EU, close proximity to the UK, strong cultural alignment with the USA and skilled work force makes Ireland a favourable location for investment.
Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment said the company is delighted to be expanding its operations in Ireland, while helping drive "local skills" and "talent" even further.
He noted that the importance of working with the production industry bodies and the Irish Government to promote Ireland to the wider international television community.
Also addressing the news, Gordon Ramsay said creating a global hub in Ireland for Next Level Chef is an "exciting opportunity."
"Not only do I get to spend weeks filming in a county that I love, it also creates an appealing opportunity for our international partners from around the world," the celebrity chef added.
