It’s been an exciting week at the BBC; not only did her Majesty the Queen officially open New Broadcasting House, but there’s also been lots of TV, Radio and online announcements too.
BBC Two have announced seven new documentaries, including Piper Alpha, marking 25 years since one of the world's worst offshore oil disasters; and a reinvention of the iconic documentary series Modern Times for the 21st century. There’s drama news from the network too, as Vanessa Redgrave and Olivia Coleman are confirmed for the adaptation of Diane Setterfield’s best-selling novel The Thirteenth Tale, directed by James Kent (the man behind The White Queen).
Alan Yentob will return to BBC One with another six-part series of Imagine this month, I’m particularly looking forward to the two-part portrait of one of my favourite filmmakers, Woody Allen.
Also on BBC One, a new show coming to Saturdays looks intriguing. Called The Puppet Game Show it’s a joint effort from BBC In-House Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company and promises to feature two “top-name celebrities” each week. BBC Two will also be good for a laugh as the PG Wodehouse comedy, Blandings, starring Timothy Spall and Jennifer Saunders will be back for a second series.
BBC Radio has made announcements to please those who can’t get to some of this summer’s music festivals: BBC Radio 3 will be at the WOMAD festival and broadcasting every act, and BBC Introducing will be at T in the Park in Kinross-shire giving 10 local Scottish artists, as well as other from across the UK, the chance to perform.
Those who are going to a festival can benefit from the newly launched BBC Weather app - especially useful planning around the great but often unpredictable British summer that’s upon us.
And on CBBC, the final 10 hopefuls who will compete to become a Blue Peter presenter have been announced, these will be whittled down to three finalists by judges of a special CBBC series: Blue Peter You Decide! Viewers can then cast their vote for the ultimate winner.
Hannah Khalil is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC Website and Blog.
