Since its debut six years ago M-Net’s flagship program Studio 53, has enjoyed widespread popularity, capturing the continent’s appeal and celebrating its talent and energy. Tune in this July as M-Net brings viewers a brand new show, the revamped and revitalized – STUDIO 53 EXTRA.

Premiering on Thursday July 1, the spin-off show will air in a brand-new half-hour Thursday timeslot and will focus on the entertainment industry on the African continent. Unlike the previous hour show which was more lifestyle orientated, the new refreshed version will be fast paced and red carpet focused. It will cover the hottest entertainment stories, trends and celebrity interviews from all over Africa.

Not only is the show new, but STUDIO 53 EXTRA will be anchored by to brand new dynamic female presenters. They are the gorgeous Eku Edewor, a graduate from the New York Film Academy, and striking Dolapo Oni who trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in the UK.

Dolapo who couldn’t contain her excitement on being chosen a presenter says, “It’s been extremely exciting and I am having such a great time working with my co-host.” She goes on to say that she’s “delighted to join the M-Net family and is looking forward to working on the show.”

This week the show brings DStv viewers highlights of the night’s best performers and winners at the 2010 BET Award winners, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. It goes behind the scenes at VIP party after the Nigeria vs. Argentina World Cup match held at Johannesburg’s Moloko Night Club in conjunction with Nigeria’s Club Rehab. STUDIO 53 EXTRA also counts down the best looking football stars on the African continent.

Audiences can tune in for an interview with Folake Folarin Coker as she talk about her latest collection that was showcased at the Arise l’Afrique -A- Porter show in Paris.

Having launched in 2004, to date STUDIO 53 (named in honour of the 53 countries in the African Union), has visited dozens of countries, stretching from the Cape’s southern tip of Africa to Cairo in the North.

Along the way the series has stopped at destinations as varied as the ancient cities of Ethiopia and Tunisia, the stunning dunes and deserts of Namibia and Mali, the bustling heart of Nigeria’s Nollywood.  STUDIO 53 EXTRA continues the legacy and magic and gives it a new spin.

DStv audiences in West Africa can tune in for the premier of STUDIO 53 EXTRA on Thursday July 1 at 20:00 CAT, while audiences in East Africa can tune in at 21:30 CAT. Those audiences who misses the Thursday show can tune in for the repeat on Sundays at 19:00 CAT.