Shine Australia is pleased to announce the commissioning of an exciting new, family entertainment series, The Great Australian Spelling Bee - by Network Ten.

Produced by Shine Australia, The Great Australian Spelling Bee is an original format and will launch on TEN later this year.

Network Ten Chief Programming Officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: “The Great Australian Spelling Bee is an exciting, engaging new series and a perfect fit with our strategy of bringing event television to Australians.

“Surrounded by their friends and loved ones, we will see Australia’s brightest young people put through their paces as they inspire and surprise us. And we will cheer them on.”

Network Ten Head of Drama, Rick Maier, worked with Shine Australia to develop the concept.

“Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest,” Mr Maier said. “And the simplest ideas are the most exciting.”

Mark Fennessy, CEO, Shine Australia, said: “We are delighted to be bringing this original and exciting format to TEN. By super-sizing spelling to a hyper-stylised, entertainment family event, we’ll present the universal art of problem solving on the grandest of scales.

“Viewers will be inspired and enthralled by Australia's most remarkable spellers among the jeopardy and drama of big event television. For these young people, everything is on the line.”

Network Ten will announce the host of The Great Australian Spelling Bee soon.

The Great Australian Spelling Bee is casting now. To apply, go to: https://wordplay.castasugar.com