Round Up Week 48 (25 November - 1 December)

A round up of BBC announcements, press releases and blogs, plus some highlights from our TV, radio and online output last week.

Christmas 2017 on BBC Television

This week we unveiled our Christmas programming for 2017 across BBC One, Two and Four with a veritable feast of programming treats for all the family to enjoy across the Christmas season. What's more, BBC iPlayer treats aplenty were announced as iPlayer delivers a stocking full of box-sets this Christmas. In addition, full details of Christmas Religious Programming was revealed.

Shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017 revealed

On Tuesday we revealed the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017.

BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios

On Wednesday it was announced that BBC Studios and BBC Worldwide are to merge to form a single commercial organisation, to be called BBC Studios.

Announcements and blogs

Drama

The Media Pack for BBC One's two-part adaptation of Jessie Burton’s internationally best selling novel The Miniaturist was published on Monday, while he pack for The Highway Rat was published on Wednesday.

It was also confirmed that Steven Knight (author of Peaky Blinders and Taboo) is to adapt a series Dickens’ novels for BBC One. The network also announced a three-part adaptation of Andrea Levy’s epic and award-winning novel about the dying days of slavery in Jamaica, The Long Song.

Meanwhile, on Thursday the first look picture of Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Jon Hamm (Mad Men, Baby Driver, Bridesmaids) in the role of the Archangel Gabriel in the new series Good Omens was released.

Finally, on Friday it was confirmed that Sir Derek Jacobi and Dame Diana Rigg will join the Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre Company on BBC One this Christmas, as they bring another dose of comic chaos to the small screen with A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong.

Entertainment

A Q&A with the Hairy Bikers for their At Home for Christmas TV special was published on Tuesday. 

Children's

The Media Pack for Raven, the CBBC fantasy adventure gameshow was published.

BBC Arts

DJ, producer and artist Goldie presents the award for the Turner Prize 2017 on 5 December at Hull Minster. The BBC, as part of its commitment to the arts, will broadcast the action from the ceremony in the heart of Hull, the City of Culture 2017 and explore the art and artists on this year’s shortlist.

BBC Music

On Monday, BBC Music Sound Of 2018 revealed its coveted longlist of future new music talent, tipped by industry experts for success next year.

Online and Interactive

On Thursday it was announced that anyone who has ever dreamed of going into space can now see those dreams come true, with the release of a critically acclaimed virtual reality (VR) spacewalk from the BBC and VR production studio REWIND.

Radio

BBC Radio 2 announced on Sunday that Clare Balding will be leaving the network as the host of Good Morning Sunday (7-9am), with that being her last show. 

BBC Radio 6 Music also revealed its 6 Music Recommends: Albums of the Year this week.

Elsewhere, On Tuesday, BBC Radio 4 announced two new series, Encounters and Across the Red Line, bringing together people with contrasting life experiences and views.

Regional

It was confirmed that BBC Radio Cymru 2 is set to broadcast in the New Year, with the first show scheduled for Monday 29 January.

Elsewhere, BBC Radio Scotland is marking the start of its 40th year of broadcasting with the launch of an exciting Winter schedule that has something for everyone and a new sound for the station.

International

It was confirmed on Wednesday that BBC World Questions will come to Mexico City.

Blogs

James Purnell blogged about Preserving serendipity in the digital world; Kate Howells, Producer of Radio 4 Appeals introduced a blog from Barry, a Street Outreach worker at The Connection’s day and night centre, helping some of London’s most vulnerable rough sleepers in BBC Radio Christmas Appeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields; as well as the weekly BBC iPlayer Highlights 2-8 December.

Broadcast Highlights

• Joe Orton Laid Bare, Saturday 25 November, BBC TWO
• Chinese Burn, Monday 27 November, BBC THREE
• MOTD Live: World Cup 2018 Draw, Friday 1 December, BBC TWO
• Lou Reed: A Life, Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December, BBC RADIO 4
• CrowdScience: Can We Revive Extinct Species Like The Dodo?, Friday 1 December, BBC WORLD SERVICE