BBC One

BBC One announces new Stephen Merchant series The Offenders

(credit: BBC)

The six-part comedy crime thriller set in Bristol will follow a group of seven complete strangers brought together to complete a Community Payback sentence.

The group of misfits from different walks of life form unlikely friendships, and each character’s complicated life is brought into play. As the initial façades begin to slip, The Offenders delves into what made each character the complex people they are today.

When one falls into trouble, the group must unite to protect them from Bristol’s most dangerous gang.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight discusses upcoming project A Christmas Carol in drama masterclass

Steven Knight (right) (Credit: Teresa Bogan)

The early December event – organised by BBC Birmingham in partnership with RTS Midlands – celebrated the writer’s latest project, a three-part adaptation of A Christmas Carol, a highlight of BBC One’s festive schedule.

The Dickens classic has been adapted countless times, which is why Knight said he undertook a detailed study of the original text in search of a fresh take on a familiar story.

New David Attenborough series heading to BBC One

Sir David Attenborough (credit: BBC)

The five-part series from BBC Studios Natural History Unit has been described by executive producer Mike Gunton as “Planet Earth for plants!”

The Green Planet will offer an unseen look into the inter-connected and surprising behaviour of the plant world, where unlikely heroes and emotional stories emerge.

Attenborough will discover plants that can outlive civilisations, and others that could cover the Earth in a matter of months with their ferocious breeding patterns.

BBC announces new legal drama Showtrial

The six-part series focuses on a trial that grips the nation and is at the centre of a media storm, putting a harsh spotlight on the victim, the accused and both their families.

The trial explores the disappearance of Hannah Ellis, a hard-working student and daughter of a single mum.

Following her disappearance, Talitha Campbell, an arrogant daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, is arrested and charged as the perpetrator.

RTS North West celebrate on and off-screen talent at 2019 awards

The crew and cast of Years and Years (Credit: Andrew F Photography)

The BBC One series, made by the Red Production Company, bagged three awards at the ceremony, which was held at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester. Years and Years was named Best Drama, while the acting gongs went to Rory Kinnear and Jessica Hynes.

Granada Reports also picked up three awards on the night. The ITV News programme won the Best Regional News Programme award for its investigation into the North West’s high suicide rate and the prize for Best Digital Content. Sports correspondent Chris Hall was named Best Regional News Journalist.

BBC One announces cast for Windrush scandal drama

Patrick Robinson and Nadine Marshall (Credit: BBC)

Based on a first-hand account of the Windrush scandal in 2016, the drama follows Anthony Bryan (Robinson) who is classed as an illegal immigrant despite living in the UK for over 50 years.

After deciding to visit his mother in Jamaica, Bryan is shocked to discover that there are no records of him at the Passport Office, requiring him to prove his citizenship to the Immigration Office.

Bryan is later forced to leave his job without the ability to claim benefits and is forcibly removed from his home when he is detained as an illegal immigrant.

Kelly Macdonald to join BBC's Line Of Duty for series six

Kelly Macdonald (Credit: BBC)

Davidson is the senior investigating officer of an unsolved murder, but her unconventional methods raises suspicion at AC-12.

Macdonald is best known for her roles in Trainspotting, No Country for Old Men and has recently starred in The Victim and Giri/Haji.

Filming for series six begins next year and Macdonald will join Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, who have all been confirmed to return.