Tom McDonald, Head of Commissioning, Natural History and Specialist Factual, has announced six new programmes for BBC One and BBC Two.
“2018 has been a hugely successful year for BBC specialist factual thanks to the brilliant producers and suppliers we work with: with Bafta, RTS and Emmy awards for our output and ratings hits from Surgeons: At The Edge Of Life to Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal. I’m thrilled to be announcing such a broad and bold range of titles showcasing the variety of forms, tones and modes we deliver science, history and religion content in. These titles show our huge commitment to innovating in specialist factual at the BBC and I can’t wait for these titles to be on air.” MacDonald commented.

MacDonald explained that in history, Danny Dyer won’t just explore his regal ancestors as he did in Who Do You Think You Are? but get to eat, dress and live like them in Danny Dyer’s Right Royal Family. And Lucy Worsley stages a re-enactment of the wedding of Victoria and Albert: The Wedding. In science, Professor Brian Cox will offer an unprecedented insight into the solar system in The Planets; new health format Twinstitute will use thirty pairs of identical twins to put the latest health theories to the test; whilst a unique combination of drama and documentary will offer an in-depth retelling of the Apollo 11 space mission. In religion and ethics, Pilgrimage will return for a second series featuring a new group of celebrities on a new pilgrim route whilst Male Circumcision (w/t) will explore one of the thorniest ethical subjects of modern times.