The British Broadcasting Company is in search of strict Bronx parents prepared to help two troubled English teens on an eight-day journey to self-discipline and enlightenment. The parents would star on BBC’s hit reality television show, World’s Strictest Parents, producer Ben Leigh said.
World’s Strictest Parents follows real, troubled British teens who need structure and authority. Each season, a group of teens spend a week in a firm and unfamiliar household; each teen reflects on his or her problems and thinks about how to turn things around. BCC wants inspirational and confident Bronx parents to participate.
“[The parents] ideally need to have teenage children of their own and be up to the challenge of hosting two British teenagers who need to get their lives back on track,” Leigh explained. “While the teens stay with the family, they are not house guests and will be expected to take part in weekly activities: educational, religious, cultural or just the chores.”
BCC hopes to find parents who draw strength from religion, community activism and/or tradition.
“These kids basically need a swift kick in the pants,” Leigh said.
A version of World’s Strictest Parents airs in the United States on the Country Music Channel. It has been filmed stateside before, most recently in Utah, where British teens were moved to tears.
According to Leigh, the show’s producer plan to shoot in New York City, but want to skip the clichéd hot spots in Manhattan. The Bronx is a good fit for World’s Strictest Parents because it differs from stereotypical English ideas about New York City. BCC will also consider parents in Queens and Brooklyn.
To express interest, reach Leigh at benleigh@twentyteweny.tv
Reach reporter Patrick Rocchio at 718 742-3393 or procchio@cnglocal.com
