Blackpool tourism chiefs are to launch a Gold Blend style sequel to J’aime La Tour - the award winning hit viral watched by millions of TV and YouTube viewers about a Lancashire lad and a chic French girl who fell in love in a Blackpool which cleverly stood in for Paris.
The tourism bosses were inundated by viewer requests to find out what happens to the ‘hot pot’ couple, much like the iconic Gold Blend TV love story that kept the nation enthralled exactly twenty years ago this year.
More than 30 million TV viewers watched the ‘Gold Blend Kiss’ in 1989 - as the steamy climax to the long-running will-they-won’t-they coffee commercial featuring Sharon Maughan and Anthony Head.
Blackpool is now attempting to recreate this success with the sequel of the love story of Valerie and Frank to be released onto the internet this week.
The film follows Valerie on an unforgettable night out which shows off some of the seaside destination’s most romantic nightspots. “Love From Blackpool” takes a romantic view of the evening and can be found on YouTube.
Helen France, executive director for tourism and regeneration at Blackpool Council says: “The first viral really made people think about Blackpool in a new light and made local heroes out of the characters. This new film not only carries on where the first one left off, but also shows visitors they can enjoy a romantic night out here.”
Continues Helen; “This new film shows the next stage of Valerie and Frank’s relationship and we hope it will be just as popular as the iconic coffee commercial.”
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), added: “Blackpool is changing and we hope that this new film will encourage even more people to discover the new Blackpool. And with the Illuminations in full swing and the school holiday crowds abating, it’s the perfect time for a romantic short break in the resort.”
Mike Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, said: “The fate of the Gold Blend couple kept us guessing for years but our hope is that this modern mini-drama will help reveal a new Blackpool through Frank and Valerie’s fresh eyes.”
The film was commissioned by visitBlackpool, the NWDA and Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, produced by SKV Communications and written by SKV’s Daniel Kennedy.
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For further information please contact Daniel Kennedy, Geraldine Vesey, Heather Price or Kat Atakuru at Manchester PR agency SKV Communications on 0161 838 7770 or 07966 652056/07779240233. Email firstname.surname@skvcommunications.co.uk
