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Nothing brings audiences together like Christmas on the BBC, and the star of this year’s BBC’s Christmas idents is also at the heart of our festive family offer, everyone’s favourite animated animal Shaun the Sheep.
— Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, BBC
World-leading animation studio Aardman has created three new exclusive idents for BBC One this Christmas.
The BBC has a long-standing relationship with Aardman and they have
From new Christmas delights to the year’s best shows and classic favourites, BBC iPlayer has massive range of boxsets for viewers to binge on while nibbling on those festive treats.
Viewers are being spoilt for choice this Christmas - with over 1000 boxsets available to enjoy on BBC iPlayer over the festive season, more than ever before. Along with a fantastic range of new programmes arriving on the BBC over Christmas, iPlayer has massive range of boxsets for viewers to binge on while nibbling on those festive treats - from the year’s best shows to classic favourites.
At the BBC Content Christmas launch in London, Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer said: “For many of us, those precious days over the Christmas break
I’m really pleased that we are working with the brilliant RHS team for another three years. The RHS events are a real highlight in the gardening calendar and I’m delighted that our continued partnership enables us to share these show-stopping events with a wide BBC audience.
— Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment
The BBC and RHS are announcing they are extending their exclusive broadcast partnership for a further three years to bring gardening inspiration from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show,
BBC One and Amazon Studios announce the second series of Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws from Big Talk and Four Eyes
I’m delighted to confirm the entire gang will return for more adventures. If we made The Outlaws sweat in series one, we’re really turning the heat up second time round."
— Stephen Merchant
The Outlaws is a comedy thriller series from multi-award-winning writer
Goldie, Sama' Abdulhadi, Folamour, Or:la, LCY and Scratcha DVA to join BBC Radio 1’s Residency
BBC Radio 1 have announced Goldie, Sama' Abdulhadi, Folamour, Or:la, LCY and Scratcha DVA as the newest members of the Radio 1 Residency line-up.
From Thursday 2nd December, Radio 1’s Residency will continue an early
Vivianne Miedema of the Netherlands and Arsenal has been crowned the winner of BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2021. The annual award from the BBC World Service is voted for by football fans from around the world.
Vivianne Miedema. Image Credit: BBC World Service/Alex South
It’s pretty cool to win something like this, and with the fans voting it’s extra special! We’ve got amazing fans, we’ve seen that at our games. As I said, I’m honoured to win it, and thanks to the fans.”
— Vivianne Miedema
On winning the award, the 25 year-old forward says: "[It means] a lot obviously, after the year I’ve just had, the year we’ve been having with the team, the Netherlands and Arsenal as well. It’s pretty cool to win something like this and with the fans voting, it’s
Channel 4 today revealed the details of 12 indies from across the UK which will benefit from its Emerging Indie Fund and another eight companies which will receive special awards.
The fund is specifically designed to help emerging indies outside of London break through key stages of growth. The main awardees include one company that had previously received a Discretionary Award, and eleven new companies from across the UK,
Channel 4 has appointed Charlie Hyland as Digital Commissioner focused on comedy, reporting into Head of Digital Commissioning, Sacha Khari. Hyland was most recently Series Producer on E4 shows, Pete and Sam’s Reality News and Married at First Sight UK Spin off show, Afters, as well as Series Development Producer on, Haks World for the BBC.
When he joins Channel 4 in this new role, Hyland will have a remit to
The second Africa Investment Conference will be held virtually on 20 January 2022.
The Department for International Trade is today, 15th November, announcing that it will host a second edition of the Africa Investment Conference on 20 January 2022.
The conference will mark two years from the UK-Africa Investment Summit hosted in London by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, where 27 trade and investment
The UK has had a unique opportunity to look at the nationally important decommissioning work underway at Sellafield, the people who work at the site and what they do to keep the site safe and secure.
Simon Reeve at Sellafield
Two national BBC TV programmes, with an audience of more than two million, were given unrivalled access to parts of Sellafield site and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary’s (CNC) training facility in West Cumbria.
In the third and final episode of ‘The Lakes with Simon Reeve’, Simon explored the coast of Cumbria and visited Sellafield to meet some of the people involved delivering the most important and challenging nuclear decommissioning projects.
Frank Gardner, the BBC’s renowned security correspondent, also visited other parts of Sellafield site and the CNC facility to focus on how Britain protects its nuclear material
Click here to learn more about Sellafield
Click here to learn more about the work of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
The government held a COVID-19 press conference, during which the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care delivered a statement on booster rollout.
Thank you, Prime Minister. A year ago this week, this country made headlines when we became the first nation in the Western world to authorise a vaccine for Covid-19.
This kicked off one of the greatest collective endeavours this nation has seen in peacetime – and think how far we’ve come since then.115 million jabs right across the UK, and a booster programme that is expanding at a phenomenal pace.
Today we’ve hit that milestone of 18 million booster doses across the UK,
Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium in a virtual meeting today.
The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium today.
The leaders signed and welcomed the new UK-Belgium Joint Declaration on Bilateral Cooperation. The agreement, the first of its kind between our two countries, will enhance cooperation in crucial areas like trade, green technology, security, health and tackling illegal migration.
The Prime Minister welcomed the work that has already taken place between
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 8 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 5 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 13.
The individuals that have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London and North West. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious.
Nine cases have also been identified in Scotland, with 5 cases in the
Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a COVID-19 press conference.
Good afternoon,
Every day our scientists are learning more about this new Covid variant, but there is one thing we already know for sure: right now, our single best defence against Omicron, is to get vaccinated and get boosted.
If you are boosted – your immune response will be stronger.
So yesterday, in addition to offering a second dose to all 12 to 15 year olds - the independent JCVI recommended that boosters should now be offered to everyone over 18, and that we halve the minimum gap between a second dose and a booster from six months to three months.
This means that over 14 million more adults have now become eligible for
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon welcomes conclusions of the 39th Universal Periodic Review.
This session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Human Rights Council reviewed 13 States: Suriname, Greece, Samoa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Hungary, Papua New Guinea, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Antigua and Barbuda, Eswatini, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand and Ireland. As a strong supporter of the UPR process, the UK has participated and raised priority human rights concerns in all reviews since the process began in 2006.
Recent figures indicate child labour figures have drastically worsened. It is very likely that there will be substantially more people subject to modern slavery and human trafficking
Together with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and INTERPOL, Border Force seized over 250 products at the UK border containing endangered wildlife.
As part of a major international operation to tackle illegal wildlife trade in October, Border Force officers across the UK successfully seized hundreds of products containing endangered species of plants and animals, as well as other items listed on CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Wildlife Fauna and Flora).
Operation Thunder led to Border Force officers seizing 250 items including
Sky Arts is set to spotlight Britain’s best design talent with new series The Big Design Challenge, airing next year. Hosted by DJ, author and presenter Lauren Laverne, this new skills-based reality format will see eight top creatives battle it out over five episodes to be crowned Britain’s next design superstar.
Drawn from all corners of the UK, the competitors will put their
The nation's favourite comedy channel Gold continues to expand its scripted comedy offering, with the brand-new commission Newark, Newark. The 3x40' UKTV Original series is produced by Balloon Entertainment and will air in early 2022.
Morgana Robinson (The Windsors) will take the lead role of Maxine,
Joining Jon and Lucy for this rollicking knees-up are Roisin Conaty, Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett. There’ll also be a few surprise guests along the
From Tuesday 30 November, face coverings will be mandatory in shops and on public transport and all travellers returning to the UK will require PCR testing.
Temporary and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant in the UK will come into force on Tuesday, the government has confirmed.
From 4am Tuesday 30 November face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from doing so.
All travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday 30 November will be required to take a PCR test on or before day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers. Free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose.
Under the UK presidency an urgent meeting of G7 health ministers will also be convened on Monday 29 November to discuss the developments on Omicron.
This update adds to the measures rapidly implemented earlier this week to prevent the spread of the new variant including travel restrictions and meaning all close contacts of anyone who has tested positive for the Omicron variant are required to isolate for 10 days regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.
Following the first 2 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 on 27 November, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified one further case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in the UK.
The individual tested positive after
The Prime Minister has today confirmed new temporary and precautionary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK.
The Prime Minister has today confirmed new temporary and precautionary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK.
The Omicron variant contains a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. Urgent work is ongoing
Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a COVID-19 press conference.
Good afternoon.
The UK’s plan against Covid has been working.
We’ve had the fastest vaccine roll-out in Europe, and now the fastest booster campaign in Europe, with almost 16.8 million boosters in people’s arms, and though case numbers have remained relatively high, we’re seen falling hospitalisations and falling numbers of deaths.
But on Wednesday we received news of a new variant - the so-called Omicron Variant - I want to express my deep gratitude to scientists in South Africa who identified this new variant and shared this information widely and immediately.
This variant is spreading around the world, with 2 cases so far identified here
The broadcaster and writer joins previously announced contestants Jay Blades, Fred Sirieix, Mel Giedroyc, Moira Stuart OBE and Anne-Marie in the festive special.
Discouragingly, every one of my family and friends with whom I’ve shared this news, has reacted with horror. They can’t believe it I’m doing it, and neither can I. Thoughts and prayers with whichever poor dancer is lumbered with me.
— Adrian Chiles
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special as
When veteran detective, Danny Frater (James Nesbitt), turns up at a hospital mortuary for what he thinks is a routine ID check on a young woman’s body, he gets a devastating shock; the corpse turns out to be his estranged daughter, Christina (Imogen King). He sets out on a mission for the truth, retracing her last days and hours, in an agonising crusade to discover what really happened to his only child.
SUSPECT (W/T) also stars Joely Richardson, Anne-Marie Duff, Antonia Thomas, Niamh Algar, Sacha Dhawan, Sam Heughan and Ben Miller and will premiere on Channel 4.
Popular Welsh language podcast Dewr (Brave) launches on BBC Sounds for the first time today (Thursday 25 November)
In this second series of Dewr, singer and actor Tara Bethan will be speaking to Welsh celebrities about the ups and downs of everyday life, from challenging times to happy times. This is the first time for Dewr to be made available on BBC Sounds.
In the first episode, Tara talks to the popular rock singer Yws Gwynedd who
Whatever you are doing, wherever you are and whoever you are with this Christmas and New Year, tune into BBC Radio for audio delights and the perfect soundtrack to this yuletide season, and listen to your favourite shows any time on BBC Sounds.
Our audio content will entertain, surprise and keep listeners company as we mark the end of the year and welcome 2022. With brilliant storytelling, thoughtful moments and the best in music, comedy and sport, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds have the ultimate festive pick ‘n’ mix this Christmas and New Year.”
— Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer
Introduction
BBC Sounds
Christmas podcast specials including Teach Me A Lesson with Ed Sheeran, Tony Bellew Is Angry with Romesh Ranganathan, Pressed, You’re Dead To Me, Uncanny, Building Queertopia and Fortunately... with Fi and Jane.
Boxset dramas available to binge on including chilling new medical drama SteelHeads starring Jessica Barden.
Escape with audiobooks and adaptations such as How To Kill Your Family by
Seven Guest Editors will take over the Today programme during the festive period.
Each year on Today the guest editors bring novel ideas, surprising perspectives and, on occasion, a little sparkle to the programme. This year is no exception and I’m absolutely thrilled these guest editors have agreed to spend some time with us to help illuminate and make sense of the world we live in.
— Owenna Griffiths, Editor of the Today Programme
BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme welcomes seven Guest Editors who will take over the programme during the festive period. For the past 18 years, the programme has
Highlights from this bumper series include the Roman mosaic and surrounding villa found in a field in Rutland, described by archaeologists on site as the most important mosaic discovered in the last 100 years.
What I love about Digging for Britain is that, when we set out to film the series, we have no idea what discoveries might come to light. This year, the revelations have been nothing short of spectacular, and each find brings us closer to understanding the lives of
“At the end of another challenging year for many people, we hope audiences enjoy our seasonal package of reflection, music, comedy and entertainment as we see out 2021 in style and look forward to the New Year."
— Steve Carson, Director BBC Scotland
As 2021 draws to a close BBC Scotland has a stocking full of festive goodies across television and radio to entertain audiences over the festive holidays. A mix of
The new broadcast channel will launch in early February 2022 and will be available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin and Freesat
This new deal is great news for both the BBC and independent producers, and we are really pleased to have concluded this in good time for launch. It provides the channel with the flexibility to ensure its programmes deliver real value to audiences however they wish to view the content, as well as recognition of success for producers.
— BBC’s Commercial, Rights & Business Affairs Director, Jo Korn
It has been officially confirmed that BBC Three will be returning as a
The BBC Board has today announced the appointment of two new non-executive members.
Sir Damon Buffini and Shumeet Banerji will replace Tom Ilube, who stood down from the Board on 30 June 2021, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson whose term is due to conclude on 31 December 2021.
Sir Damon was a founding partner of international investment firm Permira
The multi-award-winning newsreader and TV and radio presenter joins previously announced contestants Jay Blades, Fred Sirieix and Mel Giedroyc.
I’m really looking forward to the Strictly Christmas special. I've loved dancing for as long as I can remember. In fact it even helped me try to keep warm in my early coldwater flat...'
— Moira Stuart
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2021.
Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine with the
She joins Jay Blades, Fred Sirieix, Mel Giedroyc and Moira Stuart OBE in the Strictly ballroom.
I’m excited to take part in the Strictly Christmas special. I love the show, and who would turn down a dance with Graziano?!
— Anne-Marie
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2021.
Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine with
Today, Friday 26 November, Lauren Laverne announced on her BBC Radio 6 Music show (7.30am-10.30am) that Little Simz’ album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is the station’s Album Of The Year - as voted for by 6 Music presenters.
A big thank you to BBC Radio 6 Music for choosing my album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert as Number 1 on your Top 10 Albums of the Year. I’m super grateful for all the love and support!”
— Little Simz
Lauren also revealed the other albums which have made the Top 10 6
BBC 100 Women will return on Tuesday 7th December to shine a spotlight on women’s experiences around the world with three days of special interviews, documentaries, features and digital content across the BBC’s UK and international TV and radio services and online.
Half of this year’s BBC 100 Women list will be made up of Afghan women, and the whole season will have a strong focus on their stories and voices.
The resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 has changed the lives of millions of Afghan women – with girls banned from receiving secondary education, the ministry
I loved seeing the way the audience responded to the show. Especially on social media as it was happening. It’s given me the confidence to lean right into the absurd humour this time. Also, I’m proud of the fact it did so well with young audiences.
— Richard Bacon, Creator and Executive Producer
BBC One's hit primetime entertainment format This is MY House returns for an extended run of ten episodes in an evolved 30-minute format.
The addictive guessing game format created by Richard Bacon and Nick Weidenfeld, and produced by Expectation, will once again see four people all claim to be
As well as being an amazing performer, George’s songwriting was a thing of beauty. From love to heartbreak, joy to sadness, there’s a song from his extensive catalogue to suit every mood and emotional need.”
— Claudia Winkleman
Radio 2 has launched a vote for listeners to discover the nation’s favourite George Michael song from his time in Wham!, as a solo artist, and when he sang with other stars as a part of a duet.
The vote - part of Radio 2 Celebrates Songwriting season – is now open . It
Images of all houses featured on Episode 2 of Channel 4’s Grand Designs: House of the Year (Materials and Craftsmanship) can be downloaded here: https://riba.box.com/v/HOTYEpisode2
The Slot House - a two-storey ‘skinny house’ inserted into a disused alley in Peckham - and House for Theo and Oskar - a 1930s bungalow in Surrey, that has been remodelled and extended to create a fully accessible, open plan family home - are the
Misti, a sculptor from Ludlow, was crowned Britain’s Best Woodworker by series judges Alex de Rijke and Helen Welch following six weeks of competition overseen by host Mel Giedroyc.
On winning, Misti said: “It feels amazing. I’ve always questioned how good I am at things, but I am the winner. It feels really really good.”
She continued: “There’s no doubt that I live my life differently and I did want
Following the crowning of the latest champion, BAFTA winning show Taskmaster reveals the brand-new series 13 line-up featuring five courageous comedians eagerly waiting their turn to step into the Taskmaster’s house and show their mettle in the most hard-fought but utterly ridiculous show on television. Airing in 2022 on Channel 4, Taskmaster stars the show's creator Little Alex Horne scuttling behind the deafening footsteps of demanding overlord and the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies.
Hoping to win valuable points, eternal glory, and favourable treatment from
26 November 2021
This story is also available in Welsh (Mae'r stori hon ar gael yn y Gymraeg hefyd): https://www.channel4.com/press/news/s4c-yn-comisiynu-cyfres-seicolegol-gyffrous-newydd-y-golau
Welsh public broadcaster S4C has commissioned a brand new 6 x 60’ minute psychological thriller The Light In The Hall / Y Golau co-produced by independent producers Duchess Street Productions and Triongl in association with APC Studios, and with the support of Welsh Government through Creative Wales.
In deals brokered by APC Studios, which is also handling worldwide sales,
