BBC One controller Charlotte Moore has revealed a number of new programmes that are to air on the channel shortly. At the Edinburgh Television Festival, Moore revealed that she had commissioned a number of shows to add to BBC One’s comedy, documentary and drama offerings. The Living and The Dead is a new six-part fantasy drama that begins shooting next year. The drama which delves into real history as well as mythology, is brought to life by the creators of Life On Mars.
The Living and The Dead is set during 1888 in Somerset and will follow the journey of farmer Nathan Appleby whose mission in life is to prove the existence of an afterlife. During the hour-long episodes, the audience can witness Appleby experiencing paranormal activity until his obsession with the afterlife threatens the safety of his family. From Darkness, written by Sugar Rush’s Katie Baxendale centres on former Greater Manchester Policewoman Clare Church. The series, which begins shooting in the New Year, focuses on Church’s return to the force after 20 years after new evidence relating to a past case is uncovered.
The final drama to be commissioned is A Song For Jenny which is directed by Brian Percival and written by Frank McGuiness. The 75-minute adaptation of Julie Nicholson’s memoir centres on a woman’s response to her daughter’s murder in the July 7 bombings. Emily Watson has been cast as the mournful mother. As for its comedy offering, Moore has revealed a new six-part sitcom series titled Mountain Goats which is set in the Scottish Highlands. It revolves around the shenanigans of a group of energetic Mountain Rescue volunteers.
