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"Shine International has confirmed the launch of MasterChef in six new countries around the world. The cookery show, which debuted to high viewing figures in the US last week, will now be locally produced in Belgium, India, Iceland, Israel, Ukraine and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, a French version of the programme will be given a high-profile launch later this month Last month, the Australian series finale broke TV ratings records and was viewed by one in four Australians. The show&amp;#039;s popularity also prompted the country&amp;#039;s prime ministerial debate to be rescheduled. The new deals have been made with India&amp;#039;s Star, Israel\u2019s Keshet TV, Ukraine\u2019s STB, the Netherlands\u2019 SBS and Belgium\u2019s VTM, while Iceland&amp;#039;s Sagafilms has optioned the format. The Indian version will feature Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who starred in Blue alongside Kylie Minogue, as the main anchor and host. &amp;quot;The outstanding showing of MasterChef in the US and Australia, and new sales of the format in one of the most populous countries in the world, demonstrates that there is no bigger food show on the planet,&amp;quot; said Shine International president Chris Grant.  &amp;quot;This is a true Shine success story that highlights our ability to bring together the best production and broadcast partners to create truly global franchises that are loved by audiences everywhere.&amp;quot; The fifth series of Celebrity MasterChef is currently airing in the UK. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/masterchef/news/a255331/masterchef-expands-to-six-new-countries/>