World’s largest international television market hosted by a single distributor returns to ACC Liverpool this month with  Matt LeBlanc and Jimmy McGovern also taking part. Tony McDonough reports.

A host of celebrities including Gary Barlow, Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are coming to Liverpool this month to help the BBC sell its shows to the world.

BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world’s largest international television market hosted by a single distributor, returns to ACC Liverpool from February 19 to 22..

Now in its 41st year and attended by more than 700 of the world’s top television buyers, the four-day event, which has been held in the city every year since 2012, will feature a host of award-winning writers, producers and talent.

Former Take That Star Gary Barlow, along with, Dannii Minogue and presenter Mel Giedroyc will present two brand new additions to BBC Worldwide’s format slate, Let it Shine and Let’s Sing & Dance.

Top Gear leads the factual entertainment slate, and presenters, former star of US hit comedy Friends, Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid will feature on an exclusive Top Gear panel session.

Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders will host the event as a nod to the extraordinary international success of Absolutely Fabulous, having sold to 240 markets around the world.

And Liverpool-born writer Jimmy McGovern will talk about his new drama, Broken.

Delegates at the event will be able to view 6,000 hours of television content in 600 digitbooths, and a glitzy red carpet gala will celebrate British creativity in the television industry.

Paul Dempsey, president Global Markets, BBC Worldwide said: “Showcase offers the best of British television to the world’s TV buyers.

“This year, we look forward to welcoming 700 international delegates including more than ever from China and Africa.

“The range and quality of our programming makes for an outstanding slate, and we’re thrilled to host some of the industry’s top producers, writers and on-screen talent.”