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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide has licensed The Weakest Link format to two new territories in Europe. Macedonia and Armenia will both make their own local version of the hit game show format this year.

This is the first time ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide has licensed a format to either of these territories. The new deals bring the total number of local versions of The Weakest Link to 41 in countries as far flung as Mexico and Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Australia. The show has also been viewed in over 70 countries worldwide.

Armenia has picked up the winning format from ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide. Hay TV will make 90x40' eps due to air over two seasons premiering later this year. Alpha TV in Macedonia will make 33x30" eps for a primetime weekly slot and will air later this Spring.

Macedonia's version of Anne Robinson is the striking Zivkica Gurcinoska. Zivkica is a well known face on Macedonian television having hosted the Eurovision Song Contest and various talk shows.

Zivkica Gurcinoska says: "I cannot wait to unleash my inner bitch on The Weakest Link! People in Macedonia think I am the perfect person to host this show because of my naturally acerbic and slightly sarcastic presenting style. I am choosing to take that as a compliment!

"I am sure viewers in Macedonia will enjoy the game show and help it become a big success. I hope I will be able to do Anne Robinson proud, though I am still trying to think of my own trademark wink."

Elin Thomas, VP for Format Licensing EMEA, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide said: "The Weakest Link is an evergreen format that travels well. Broadcasters appreciate it because of its simplicity. The show is easy to produce and audiences have no trouble understanding the game. A quirky presenter adds to the appeal, I think Zivkica will be a fantastic host and will have Macedonian contestants quivering."

Last year ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide licensed the format to Rapid Blue production company in Nigeria. The show has now been viewed in more than 70 countries around the world.

Other countries that have made their own local versions of the show are Australia, USA, Germany, France, India, Croatia and South Africa.

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide will be taking the Weakest Link format with a host of new titles to MIPTV this month.

New titles include primetime game show format Run For It, lifestyle show Fat Family Diet and recent ratings hit Famous, Rich and Jobless.

Cristina Dunn