The BBC has announced that the broadcaster will be ringing in national treasure Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday with a big, TV extravaganza fitting of the man himself.
The Beeb will be putting on not one, not two (can you see where this is going?) but three new TV shows to mark Sir Attenborough’s ‘extraordinary milestone’ on May 8.
The big day will be celebrated with a week of special programming, including shows both new and old from the presenter.
One of the new programmes, titled Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure, will go behind the scenes of the landmark 1979 series, which saw Sir Attenborough travel to 40 countries and film 600 species.
The special will feature new interviews with the wildlife broadcaster and the production team on the natural history docu-series, as they reflect on the challenges they faced while making it – including the triple whammy of being shot at, a coup in the Comoros and Sir Attenborough’s encounter with gorillas in Rwanda.
The famed broadcaster and biologist will also appear in the new series Secret Garden where he does what it says on the tin and reveals the hidden worlds within Britain’s gardens.
The five-parter series will capture the rich diversity that awaits in our very own back gardens, while also reflecting on how the public can do their bit to save struggling species.
As if that wasn’t enough, the centenarian will also appear in David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth, a live event from the Royal Albert Hall featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests.
The week will be sprinkled through with some greatest hits programming from the soon-to-be 100-year-old, with special episodes from Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, among others, and a dedicated collection of 40 of his most-loved programmes waiting on BBC iPlayer.
It’s a veritable treat for any Sir Attenborough fan.
Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual at the BBC, said in a statement with the announcement: ‘It’s impossible to overstate what Sir David Attenborough has given us.
‘His programmes have not only defined science and natural history broadcasting, but they have also changed how we see our planet and our place within it.
‘This special week is a celebration of an extraordinary milestone and of a body of work that continues to inspire awe, curiosity and care for the natural world.
‘It’s also a moment for all of us at the BBC to say thank you to David – for his generosity, for his brilliance and for a lifetime spent bringing the wonders of nature into our homes.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
