About Spark Media Partners

Spark Media Partners is a multi-genre, award-winning production company specialising in bold, high-quality non-scripted content that resonates with audiences in the UK and around the world.

Founded by long-time collaborators Mark Baker and Steve Havers, Spark is best known for creating Channel 4’s hit factual entertainment series Escape to the Chateau and its long-running spin-off Chateau DIY, one of the UK’s most successful daytime franchises. With over 300 episodes produced and counting, the series has aired in more than 220 territories worldwide.

Channel 4 has commissioned a further 100 episodes of Chateau DIY across 2026–27, including a seventh festive edition of Chateau DIY at Christmas. Series 9 is currently on air, with series 10 in production for a 2027 tx. 

The brand is also expanding internationally. Spark’s first format sale, Chateau DIY Australia, has recently been produced for the Nine Network and follows Australian families who have relocated to France to renovate and run their own châteaux. The series will air in Australia and the UK in 2026. 

In 2025, Spark wrapped filming on its most ambitious Château project yet — Chateau DIY: Win the Dream. This 20-part competitive reality series sees one couple win their very own French château. It aired on Channel 4 in Spring 2026.

Elsewhere, Spark continues to grow its premium factual slate with the Ancient Civilisations by Train franchise. Presented by Professor Alice Roberts and made in collaboration with BossaNova Media, the brand has explored Ancient Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and Ancient Greece. The fourth series, Roman Empire by Train, aired on Channel 4 in early 2026 with series five, Ancient India by Train, in production now for a 2027 tx.

Spark also has a strong track record in sports documentary. Its feature-length film Iron Men — chronicling West Ham United’s emotional move from Upton Park to the London Stadium — won multiple awards. Most recently, Spark partnered with US-based Mike Tollin Productions (The Last Dance) to co-produce Fan-Owned Football, a behind-the-scenes series following League Two side AFC Wimbledon through their 2024–25 season.

Other Spark credits include Battlechefs for UKTV’s W (developed with P&O Cruises), Tool Club (Channel 4), and branded digital-first film The Spanish Job (4.0).

Alongside its TV production work, Spark is embracing innovation through a dedicated AI initiative and entry into the podcast market. The Spark team now includes a part-time AI advisor, with a full-time AI graduate having joined the company in October 2025 to help shape Spark’s future-facing creative strategy. The podcast slate covers Newcastle United fan favourite Adopted Geordies, the self-explanatory Chateau DIY Revealed and the forthcoming Pre-Loved Prophets with Alice Beer & Dan Hatfield.