BBC One

Steven Knight to adapt Great Expectations for BBC One

Steven Knight (Credit: BBC)

The six-part limited series is the second Dickens novel Knight has adapted, following A Christmas Carol last year.

Knight will once again be partnering up with producers Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy to bring the novel to life.

Great Expectations tells the coming-of-age story of orphan Pip, who dreams of being a gentleman and winning the heart of the beautiful but cold Estella.

Initially the story was released by Dickens as weekly chapters starting in December 1860, before it was published as a complete novel.

Michaela Coel’s new drama I May Destroy You heads to BBC One

Michaela Coel (Credit: BBC)

Created by, executive produced and starring Coel, I May Destroy You explores sexual consent and the minefield that is dating and relationships.

The 12-part series brings into question the fine line between liberation and exploitation in the modern landscape.

Arabella Essiuedu (Coel) finds herself hailed as the ‘voice of her generation’ when a piece of her writing receives critical acclaim.

Carefree, non-attached and easily distracted, Essiuedu lands an agent and a book commission, along with the pressure to live up to her so-called 'literary genius'.

BBC announces month of programming to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

The curation includes several brand new productions and a range of documentaries from the last two years all chosen to provide support to those struggling.

Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC, said: “Mental health is important - and during this pandemic more important than ever. Many people may be struggling alone, they may be worried about maintaining their own well-being or want to better equip themselves to help loved ones.

“That’s why bringing mental health issues out into the open is so important. Our programmes aim to do just that.”

BBC announces remake of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads

Left to right: Jodie Comer, Monica Dolan, Martin Freeman, Tamsin Greig, Sarah Lancashire, Lesley Manville, Lucian Msamati, Maxine Peake, Rochenda Sandall, Kristin Scott Thomas, Imelda Staunton and Harriet Walter (Credit: BBC)

Ten of the original monologues will be remade and two new ones, written by Bennett last year, will also be showcased.

Produced by Nicholas Hytner’s London Theatre Company and Kevin Loader, filming will take place at the BBC Elstree Studios using current sets.

The monologues tell stories that are important and timely, all while allowing the actors to perform despite the coronavirus lockdown.

BBC commissions a series of new factual programmes

Ross Kemp (Credit: BBC)

Ross Kemp: Britain’s Volunteer Army

These uncertain times have seen the nation come together to help one another, and this generosity and kindness is celebrated in Ross Kemp: Britain’s Volunteer Army.

The five-part series goes up and down the country to meet those volunteering as part of large and small initiatives.

Ross meets the volunteers who are supporting the most vulnerable in society, even if it means putting their own personal safety at risk.

The Real Marigold Hotel returns to BBC One

This year’s four-part series will feature actress Britt Ekland, Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne, fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, Chuckle Brother Paul Chuckle, cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, EastEnders actor John Altman, actress Susie Blake, and singer Barbara Dickson.

The travel documentary series was inspired and named after the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and follows elderly celebrities as they test out retirement in India.

BBC announces charity special ‘The Big Night In’

(credit: BBC)

The BBC’s biggest charitable partners, Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need, are coming together for the first time ever for The Big Night In to celebrate those going the extra mile to help their communities throughout these difficult times.   

The live show aims to provide some light relief and entertainment, with some famous faces joining from home for some live music performances, big surprises and ‘money can’t buy’ prizes in an effort to support and cheer up whoever they can.

BBC launches new daytime series HealthCheck UK Live

TV presenter Michelle Ackerley, Dr Xand van Tulleken, broadcaster Angela Rippon, and fitness instructor Mr Motivator will be keeping their audience company, as well as offering their expertise on how to keep healthy and happy while homebound.

The list of topics so far includes how best to boost your immunity, how to beat boredom and stay active.

Dr Xand van Tullekan said: “During this uncertain period it is essential that viewers feel connected and positive.

Sue Perkins heads to the US-Mexico border for new BBC One series

(credit: BBC)

The two-part series will see Perkins embark on a 2000-mile journey from coast to coast across one of the most contentious borders in the world.  Starting in the Mexican city of Tijuana on the Pacific Coast, Perkins will travel across the continent, ending in Matamoros, a city on the north-eastern border.

On the Central American side, Perkins helps build a hostel with Honduran volunteers for refugees fleeing violence, while on the US side she shadows an Arizona sheriff to uncover the fight against Mexican criminal drug cartels.