Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Evan Marriott, the star of one of television's highest-rated entertainment programs ever, "Joe Millionaire," has signed up for his first TV series hosting duty on Game Show Network's (GSN) debut relationship game, FAKE-A-DATE. FAKE-A- DATE, premiering in March, features one lucky contestant paired up with two singles of the opposite sex.

At the end of the dual date, the contestant must choose between the dates. The catch? One of the singles is truly looking for love, while the other one is a pretender out to win a luxury trip with their real significant other.

The honest single will have pre-chosen the contestant as someone who could be their soul mate, while the other "single" has no interest in romance with the contestant. However, the sparks fly as the pretender tries to generate some heat with the contestant in order to be chosen at the datešs end. If the contestant makes the wrong choice, the pretender wins the luxury vacation to use with their significant other; but if the contestant chooses wisely, he/she will the join the honest single on a grand prize vacation.

As host of FAKE-A-DATE, Marriott will offer advice and act as a confidante to the participants and interview the contestant regarding the big decision --to pick the sincere single or go home empty-handed.

"Evan Marriott is the perfect person to host FAKE-A-DATE. On "Joe Millionaire" he had to keep a major secret and now he can guide our viewers as they try to decide which of our contestants is hiding the truth," said Rich Cronin, President and CEO of GSN in making the announcement.

"I am thrilled to be hosting FAKE-A-DATE which takes a completely fresh approach to dating shows. I can certainly empathize with what the contestants are feeling, especially when it comes time for the ultimate choice," reflected Marriot on his new hosting role. "It will be fun to participate on a TV show where I get to watch other people struggle to keep a secret."

FAKE-A-DATE's contestant will spend an entire day on simultaneous dates with the singles. The dates will be adventurous, provocative and romantic. The dates will take a twist midstream as, unknown to the daters, the significant other of the attached single will randomly appear during the day. Perhaps as a valet, model, waitress, hostess - the contestant and the dates will be surprised. The significant other also will make a second appearance at the end of the episode to plant a kiss on the cheek of the dishonest date to reveal their identity after the contestant has made a decision.

Since rocketing to fame as "Joe Millionaire," Marriott has been busy working on the silver screen as well as additional television series. He most recently completed work on the independent film "End of All Things," as well as "Raising Helen," a film directed by Garry Marshall and starring Kate Hudson. He also finished filming a lead role in the independent film "Miss Cast Away." Marriott appeared on the TV original movie "See Jane Date," Mariah Carey's music video "Bringin' on the Heartbreak," and guest-starred on the season premiere of "Charmed."

FAKE-A-DATE is a Montana Productions series, executive produced by Paul Buccieri, Jenny Daly and Tim Puntillo.