BBC News Online: Entertainment: TV and Radio

NBC buys Dog Eat Dog

It follows the broadcaster's decision to buy the rights to BBC quiz The Weakest Link, which has been screened with mixed success in the US.

Thirteen shows will be screened either in a network or syndicated prime-time slot.

The BBC will co-produce the show in Los Angeles although it is not known if UK host Ulrika Jonsson will, like Anne Robinson, front the US version.

Rupert Gavin, chief executive of BBC Worldwide, said: "Dog Eat Dog is a great new game show format and has all the hallmarks of becoming a huge international hit.

Psychological contest

"NBC's commitment to the show is fantastic and they are confident they have another successful show on their hands."

Dog Eat Dog is a psychological contest in which six contestants battle it out over five rounds of studio-based stunts.

The UK show has attracted audiences of up to eight million viewers.

The Weakest Link finished its first month in the US with a ratings rally after ratings fell to eight million households.

The first three shows attracted up to 17 million households but then began to slide.

The most recent figures show that it has stabilised to about 8.9m households.