BBC Two and BBC Northern Ireland have co-commissioned The Big Deal With Steph McGovern, a competition series featuring aspiring art dealers. The production received support from Northern Ireland Screen. Seven pairs of trainee dealers from across the UK compete for a prize of £50,000 worth of British art.
The series focuses on the creativity, negotiation, and profit making skills of the participants within the art market. Contestants include London based friends Darren and Charles, as well as siblings Ollie from Bath and Bella from Bristol. The latter pair have since started an art business together following their participation in the series. Other contestants include Claire and Aaron, friends from Pembrokeshire with professional backgrounds in sales and the building industry.
The competition format requires teams to perform under pressure to gain insight into the commercial operations of the art world. The series is hosted by Steph McGovern. The production uses a competitive structure to test the ability of the trainees to generate profit and negotiate deals.
The series premieres on BBC Northern Ireland on 12 August. It will broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer from 13 August at 8pm.