Underscoring the breadth of its unscripted slate, Banijay Entertainment has unveiled two new formats, “Football Island,” which blends sports, survival and competition reality, as well as “Date on Stage,” weaving romance and comedy. Both formats are being presented by Banijay Entertainment at the London TV Screenings.

A Dutch format, “Football Island” marks the first co-production between SimpelZodiak – the company behind the local adaptation of “Survivor” and “Hunted” — and Banijay Benelux label Southfields, the largest sports production company in the Netherlands.

Tapping into Banijay Entertainment’s launch of its new sports division, “Football Island” sees 13 legendary footballers dropped in a remote tropical location where they must fight for the basics and win football-inspired challenges while friendships get tested, rivalries are reignited.

“’Football Island’ is a one-of-a-kind concept bringing legendary footballers back into the heat of fierce competition,” said Justine Huffmeijer, SimpelZodiak’s managing director. “This is more than just a game – it’s also a test of strategy, and endurance. Watching football icons relive past clashes and push their unceasing competitive spirit in a high-stake survival environment is set to be a thrilling spectacle for audiences to enjoy,” Huffmeijer continued.

James Townley, the CCO of development at Banijay Entertainment, said “‘Football Island’s electrifying fusion of genres will appeal to sports and entertainment fans alike, offering an intense, character-driven reality format to meet the needs of our many clients around the world.”

“With an outstanding track-record producing high-profile global formats like ‘Survivor’ and ‘Hunted,’ SimpelZodiak has raised the bar, pushing survival and reality to the next level, where strategy, resilience and football collide,” Townley continued.

“Date on Stage,” meanwhile, sees singles being blindfolded and embarking on dates with potential matches, guided only by conversation, chemistry and instinct. But there’s a twist in that the dates are taking place with a real audience watching every awkward moment.

The show was created and produced by Banijay Benelux label TwentyTwo. It was commissioned by Omroep Zwart for NPO Start and NPO3.

“This original new format is packed with real heart and a huge dose of chaotic comedy energy, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments,” said Townley, adding that the show delivers a “unique take on the dating genre, mixing humour, theatre and romance.”

TwentyTwo Productions producer Paul van der Maesen said the “format taps into the most popular dating trends you see on social media, bringing them to life in an unpredictable and wildly entertaining way.”