ITV announces primetime Celebrity Lingo, hosted by RuPaul Charles, and 50 episode recommission for daytime series hosted by Adil Ray

It’s the word guessing game that’s got the whole nation on tenterhooks, and now audiences are about to get double the fun, as Lingo returns for an extended daytime run, and launches its very own primetime spin off, Celebrity Lingo.

Hosted by inimitable Emmy award-winning US entertainer RuPaul Charles, Celebrity Lingo will see famous faces go head-to-head in the fast-paced word play game, as they vie to fill in the blanks and find the missing words. Produced by Triple Brew Media, part of Objective Media Group, the 7 x 60” series will launch on ITV and ITV Hub in the Autumn.

Alongside Celebrity Lingo, renowned host Adil Ray OBE returns to host a third series of the nail-biting, hit daytime format, which, with a peak audience of 1.9 million viewers, boasts the best launch of a game show in a 3pm slot since 2002.

The 50 x 60” episodes will reintroduce viewers to the unmissable game show format which sees three teams of contestants competing against each other in a game where being lost for words can cost you everything. As the prize money soars, the contestants will risk it all in a bid to reach the End Game, where the last pair standing can double the money…but if the words escape them, they leave with nothing.

Of hosting the first inception of the celebrity series, RuPaul Charles said “Now, more than ever before, people want to have fun, and “Celebrity Lingo” is here to serve it up generously.”

Lingo afficionado Adil said “I’m so grateful to everyone watching at home, the entire crew and our fab contestants for giving me another chance to host one of the best shows on TV! Even to those who shout four letter Lingos at me in the street! Welcome to the team RuPaul!”

Triple Brew’s Ben Shephard and Ed de Burgh added: “It has been a joy to watch ITV viewers fall in love with Lingo - their enthusiasm for the show, along with Adil’s, is infectious. Letting celebrities loose on Lingo with RuPaul at the helm will undoubtedly be a treat to watch – we defy you to not play along at home!”

ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning Katie Rawcliffe said “It’s not often a show comes along that captures the nation’s imagination in the way Lingo has. So it was an absolute no brainer to welcome the series back for another run, hosted by the brilliant Adil. And of course, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the phenomenal RuPaul to ITV as a host of a 'peak time celebrity version.

Lingo is already a successful format globally, with versions of the hit show produced in major markets, including the U.S., Italy and Spain – where the series is currently airing – as well as the Netherlands and France. There is a Lingo boardgame, Facebook game and app available.

Lingo was re-commissioned by ITV Head of Entertainment Katie Rawcliffe and ITV Commissioning Editor Lara Akeju. Celebrity Lingo has been commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe and ITV Commissioning Editor Joe Mace.

Lingo is an IDTV (All3Media) and Talpa TV format, distributed by All3Media International. Lingo S3 is produced by Triple Brew Media out of Objective Media Group North’s Manchester base, for ITV. The Executive producers are Julie Kelling, Ed de Burgh and Ben Shephard for Triple Brew Media and Pam Cavannagh for OMG North. Celebrity Lingo is produced by Triple Brew Media with Ed Booth, Ed de Burgh and Ben Shephard serving as Executive Producers. Objective Media Group is an All3Media Company.