Lenny Henry has sold a 50% stake in his TV production company to the group behind hits including Big Brother and MasterChef.
Endemol Shine UK, which is owned by a joint venture between 21st Century Fox and Apollo Global Management, has taken the stake in Henry’s independent production company Douglas Road.
The company, which is run by Henry and EastEnders and Holby City producer Barbara Emile, was set up last year.
“Douglas Road takes inspiration from the plethora of races, colours and creeds that co-exist in the British Isles today,” said Henry. “These are cultures filled with drama, comedy, fun, excitement, magic, romance, sex and inspiration. We look forward to working with the best of diverse British talent, both in front of and behind the camera.”
Douglas Road has made programmes including Sky Arts documentary When Lenny Got the Blues, and has a number of shows in advanced development.
“The creative vision and track-record of Lenny Henry and Barbara Emile and the progress they have made in a short space of time makes Douglas Road an extremely exciting company to partner with,” said Richard Johnston, chief executive of Endemol Shine UK.
“They complement the other brilliant producers in our group and we look forward to helping Douglas Road move on to their next chapter.”
