New E! reality show has folks asking celebs for cash

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by James Hibberd | November 3, 2009 at 9:23 pm | View Comments

A new reality show from E! and Ryan Seacrest Prods. gives ordinarypeople the chance to plead for money from rich celebrities andmoguls.

In "Bank of Hollywood," a panel of notable names takes pitches fromAmericans in need of cash. The proposals range from a do-gooderraising money for charity to a grad student who can't afford a ringto propose to his girlfriend.

"The idea's simple," Seacrest said. "We are giving away tons ofmoney to everyday people to alleviate the stress of today's climateand have fun."

Panelists include author and entrepreneur Candy Spelling,French-American poker player Vanessa Rousso, Wilhelmina Modelspresident Sean Patterson and Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton.Panelists give away their own money; amounts start at $2,000.

"This series is centered on the concept of innovativephilanthropy," said Lisa Berger, executive vp programming at E!"We're giving real people the opportunity to garner life-changingsums of money and, at the same time, fulfilling our judges' desireto make a difference in the lives of others — one person at atime.

"The panelists' big personalities and strong opinions, on top ofrequests that run the gamut from heartwarming to downrightpeculiar, are sure to keep things heated and alwaysunpredictable."

The eight-episode series debuts at 10 p.m. Dec. 14.

"Bank" is from Ryan Seacrest Prods. in association with Fever Mediaand BBC Worldwide Prods. and is based on the U.K. series "Fortune: Million PoundGiveaway." It's hosted by comedian Bryan Callen.

The series marks Seacrest's latest addition to E!'s reality slate.The "American Idol" host also produces "Keeping Up With theKardashians" and "Denise Richards: It's Complicated."

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