We're delighted to be announcing these shows today. After a terrific response from the sector, and a further funded development phase, we know these series' will delight our audiences here and across the UK.
BBC Cymru Wales has announced new factual entertainment programmes today with a mix of new and returning programmes. Spearheading this lineup will be some of Wales’s favourite presenters, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page as they explore the Welsh coastline.
Nick Andrews, BBC Cymru Wales’ Head of Commissioning has today announced a number of brand-new programmes, as well as the return of some popular series. From cooking to music, interior design to sheep shearing, there will be something for everyone to enjoy in the latest wave of programming that reflects contemporary Welsh life.
The new programmes include a brand-new adventure with Wynne Evans and Joanna Page, as the duo embark on a fun-filled journey along the Welsh coastline. Fuelled by their friendship, and shared passions of the sea, food and love of adventure, in each episode we’ll join the pair on board as they explore the spectacular Welsh coastline by sea. In this heart-warming Fact-Ent series, they’ll discover everything from secret coves to seafood recipes, famous ports to fabulous people and we’ll get a sneak peek into the lives of two of Wales’ most beloved stars.
After two successful series, Wales' Home of the Year will return for series 3, this time with an additional Christmas Special. Once again the three judges - Owain Wyn Evans, Mandy Watkins and Glen Thomas - scour the country, seeking out Wales' most beautiful, surprising and unique homes. They'll judge them on architectural merit, interior design and personal style- and importantly, a sense of “home”. In each programme, one regional finalist will be chosen to battle it out for the title of the nation’s most perfect pad. This year there will also be an hour-long yuletide special, where the judges will visit a shortlist of 5 homes. Each house will be overflowing with seasonal spirit and festive flair, but only one will be crowned the coveted title of Wales’ Christmas Home of the Year.
Hunting Mr Nice is a BBC Factual and BBC Wales co-commission for BBC Two and iPlayer. The two-part series tells the story of Howard Marks, who grew up in a Welsh village, dabbled in dealing weed while at Oxford university, before building a worldwide drug-smuggling empire and even working for MI6, at the height of the America’s War on Drugs. For decades, the audacious and charismatic ‘Mr Nice’ managed to evade prosecution before his luck finally ran out, serving time in high security US prisons before ultimately writing a bestselling book and campaigning for the decriminalisation of marijuana. This new insight tells the definitive story of the world’s most notorious cannabis smuggler – and the police who devoted their lives to bringing him to justice, along with members of his criminal inner circle breaking their silence for the very first time. Also featuring journalists, lawyers and Marks’ friends, the series takes us inside the cultural phenomenon of ‘Mr Nice’ to ask how he was able to become so criminally famous yet continue to evade justice.
Music and storytelling will come together in Kelly Jones with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. For this specially recorded performance, Kelly Jones forsakes the guitar in favour of piano and will be joined by members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as he debuts songs from his latest solo project. Following the huge success of the last Stereophonics tour and launch of his side project Far From Saints, Kelly Jones took himself and his recording engineer off to a remote Norwegian island to work on a brand new collection of very personal songs. Now he will bring those songs to life in an intimate performance filmed specially for BBC Wales at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. Alongside the new material we may also hear one or two familiar songs as they’ve never been heard before in brand new arrangements.
In Chris Cooks Cymru fire-chef extraordinaire, Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts, will take his passion on the road across his beloved Wales. Hooking up with renowned chefs, producers and local characters he will be showcasing top foodie destinations and cooking his go-to dishes along the way. Whether it’s next-level restaurants, the local kebab house food trucks - he’s all about celebrating Welsh food, Welsh producers and Welsh communities from stunning Welsh backdrops to urban cookouts that bring whole communities together.
There are plenty of viewer favourites returning for new series’ too. Following the success of past seasons, Our Lives, has been re-commissioned for an 8th time. Made by six different production companies spread across Wales, the series will celebrate Welsh life in all its diversity. Three of the Our Lives programmes are co-commissions with BBC Network.
Dream Team (working title) is an inspirational observational documentary following Katy and her sister Emma who are channelling grief into something very special. Mobilizing the community of Brynaman, the sisters embark on an ambitious project: a charity football match between Wales and England, featuring big name football stars from the Wales Euro 2016 squad.
Dino Hunters (working title) will take us on a journey of discovery across the dramatic Heritage Coastline of Wales as leading Palaeontologist Cindy Howells explores Wales’ unique fossil record. With exclusive access to the archives at the National Museum of Wales, Cindy shows us the new discoveries being made by Wales’ dedicated community of amateur fossil hunters.
Skanda Vale Life (working title) tells the story of a multi faith community that has been based just outside Carmarthen for 50 years. It’s a centre to explore spiritual practice, eco-conscious living and it also runs a hospice - all with the help of local volunteers. An eclectic community of people from all sorts of backgrounds live on site but undoubtedly the most exotic residents are two elephants. Looking after animals and interacting with the elephants illustrates the community’s commitment to harmony and coexistence with all living beings. The majestic animals live in a huge purpose-built barn, have free roam of the fields and go for walks with their keepers - a resident community of ‘Brothers’ - twice a day in the surrounding woodlands.
In Search of Lost Mines (working title) will shine a light deep beneath the Ceredigion countryside into mines that were once teeming with gold, silver, lead, copper and other minerals. Lesser known than the slate and coal mines of north and south Wales, most have remained untouched for more than a hundred years; their heritage and histories forever frozen in time. That is until now… when two unlikely friends go on a quest to keep the history and heritage of Wales' lost mines alive.
Rockstar Shearers (working title) is a compelling documentary that takes audiences on a journey into the world of competitive sheep shearing. The film follows the reigning Sheep Shearing Champion of the World, as he embarks on a mission to defend his coveted title. Once a year the tranquil town of Corwen in North Wales transforms into the epicentre of the global sheep shearing world. Hundreds of competitors from right across the globe – as far as Australia and New Zealand - and thousands of supporters gather annually for Corwen Shears or Cneifio Corwen in Welsh. Shearing is in the blood. They’re not just agricultural contractors, the competitors are sportsmen – and women. A mix of hard work, skill and determination, blood, sweat and shears.
The Pigeon Fanciers of Rhyl (working title) is a riveting exploration into the world of this often-overlooked sport that has united communities for centuries. This is a film about people obsessed with their birds, determined to beat their rivals as well as giving an insight into the amazing ability of the pigeons to somehow find their way home.
Nick Andrews said, “We're delighted to be announcing these shows today. After a terrific response from the sector, and a further funded development phase, we know these series' will delight our audiences here and across the UK. Talent fronted shows continue to make a real impact - they bring real joy - and BBC Cymru Wales is super proud to be working with such a warm and friendly family of presenters.”
The new shows will broadcast on BBC Cymru Wales and iPlayer over the coming months.
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