Round Up Week 42 (14-20 October)

Sean Hughes

Kate Phillips, Controller Entertainment Commissioning released a tribute to Sean Hughes who died on Monday 16 October aged 51.

Children in Need

The star-studded presenter line-up has been announced for BBC Children in Need 2017.

Announcements and blogs

Drama

BBC Four confirmed Danish crime thriller Below The Surface, from creator Kasper Barfoed and an original idea by the creators of The Killing and Borgen will be coming to the network.

Comedy

BBC Two confirmed Ben Elton's Upstart Crowis set to return for a third series: six further 30-minute episodes and a 2018 Christmas special based on the life and times of William Shakespeare (David Mitchell) as he tries to make his name as a playwright in Tudor London while at the same time facing one hell of a commute, back and forth to see the family in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In addition the network confirmed Two Doors Down is set for a Christmas special.

On Thursday, BBC Two confirmed that comedy Mum is to return for third series.

Entertainment

The media pack for the new series of Robot Wars was published on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, BBC One announced that Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are to be reunited on the network for a very special programme from BBC Studios to air this Christmas, Mary, Mel and Sue's Surprise Party.

Factual

A new fly-on-the-wall TV series from BBC Wales will give an intimate and often emotional view of the daily real-life drama faced by the young patients, their families and the medical staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Elsewhere, the media pack for BBC One's Blue Planet II was published as well as for BBC Two's Autumnwatch and BBC Three's Junior Doctors.

Children's 

On Monday key figures from YouTube and Viacom Africa to join Children’s Global Media Summit 2017 in Manchester,.

Digital/iPlayer/Online/Interactive

On Tuesday it was confirmed that the BBC iPlayer Radio app has been updated to include a personalised in-car listening experience for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enabling drivers to safely enjoy their favourite BBC radio programmes whilst behind the wheel.

Elsewhere, BBC Research & Development has announced a five-year research partnership with eight UK universities to unlock the potential of data in the media.

Finally, on Friday the new series of Mike Bartlett’s acclaimed drama Doctor Foster topped a strong month for BBC iPlayer to kick off the autumn schedule.

Arts

It was confirmed that Mary Beard will present episode six of BBC Two’s Front Row series, which will be broadcast on Saturday 28 October.

BBC Music

On Wednesday BBC Music and BBC Learning unveiled a continuing programme of activity for Ten Pieces IIIfor the 17/18 academic year, following the success of Ten Pieces I for primary and II for secondary school children.

While on Friday it was announced that all things Country will be celebrated with programming on Radio 2 and BBC Four to celebrate the forthcoming 51st Country Music Association Awards 2017.

Radio

On Sunday BBC Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige officially opened voting for the Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award For Best Musical in this year’s 2017 London Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

The network also confirmed it broadcast a two-part world exclusive documentary featuring a lengthy interview between Kirsty Young and George Michael, which was his last ever interview.

Elsewhere, BBC Radio 1 has named its four Teen Heroes of 2017. The outstanding young winners have all proven their dedication to helping others through selfless, brave and exceptional achievements.

Regional

BBC Wales announced that Jason Mohammad and Bethan Rhys Roberts will join forces to host a brand new live weekly show, with hard-hitting stories and in-depth interviews about what’s happening in Wales and why it matters.

BBC One Wales also unveiled new national debate programme hosted by Catrin Nye, The Hour.

International

On Monday BBC Russian received a major boost with the launch of the 30-minute Monday to Friday global news programme broadcast on the BBC’s partner station, TV Rain (Dozhd).

Blogs

This week the blog went On location with Blue Planet II; Artyom Liss, BBC World Service Europe Region Editor introduced the new news bulletins in BBC Russian: You can call it “deconstructed television”; James Purnell looked at a new innovation that uses 'smart speaker' systems; and Jen Macro blogged about the BBC initiative that helps unsigned artist as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, BBC Introducing. We also published a round up of BBC Radio wins at the ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry awards) and the weekly BBC iPlayer Highlights 21-27 October.

Broadcast Highlights

• The Teens Taking On Deliveroo, from Sunday 15 October, BBC Three
• Jonas Kauffman: Tenor For The Ages, Sunday 15 October, BBC Four
• Ian Rankin: Death Watch Journal, from Monday 16 October, BBC Radio 4
• Bruce Springsteen - Long Walk Home, Tuesday 17 October, BBC Radio 2
• Chris Packham: Asperger’s And Me, Tuesday 17 October, BBC Two
• Anthony Joshua: The Fight Of My Life, Wednesday 18 October, BBC One
• The Ganges With Sue Perkins, Thursday 19 October, BBC One