The range of programmes features a children's series about food around the world, a series shining a light on remarkable people whose deaths were not reported on and a film adaptation of David W. Blight's novel Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.

The commissions also include documentaries exploring America's disability rights movement, and the story of a Chinese billionaire who faces problems opening a factory in a post-industrial Ohio. 

The Curry House Kid

Monday: Channel 4, 10.00pm

Exploring stories of immigration, choreographer and dancer Akram Khan takes a trip back in time to the curry houses from his childhood.

Khan meets with the Bangladeshi chefs who moved to the UK and created the curry house culinary institution, even in the face of racism.

The six-part series will tell the story of the origins of football, and how the people behind the game’s beginnings overcame class divides to make it the world’s most popular sport.

Also starring in the series, which is currently shooting in the UK, are Line of Duty’s Craig Parkinson, James Harkness (The Victim), and Henry Lloyd-Hughes (Indian Summers).

It seems only a few short years ago that the BBC and ITV were thought of as the titans of British media. But all of us in the UK’s traditional media solar system are getting smaller and smaller in the Apple, Amazon and Netflix universe.” Thus said Lord Hall, Director-General of the BBC, in March, as he unveiled the corporation’s plans for its new financial year.

“We need to find new ways to adapt to the changing needs of our audiences, and we need to be able to do it in real time to keep pace with our global competitors,” he continued.

Mae and George (w/t) follows recovering addict Mae (Martin) as she seeks to take control of her life while juggling a relationship with her new girlfriend George and keeping her addictive behaviours in check.

Joe Hampson (Skins) will co-write the series with Martin, and the comedy will be produced by Objective Fiction, whose portfolio includes Game Face, Toast of London and Fresh Meat.

“WHAT A DREAM,” said Mae Martin of the new project. “We cannot wait to make this show with E4, Netflix, and Objective Fiction.”

Graham, who founded the programme’s producer Wall to Wall, came up with the idea for a genealogy series in which famous faces discover the truth about their ancestors – but it took a decade and a half for a commissioner to bite.

“This show is 15 years old this year but this year is also the 30th anniversary of me trying to sell it to the BBC,” he said.

Famous and Fighting Crime

Monday: Channel 4, 9.00pm

New four-part series, Famous and Fighting Crime, sees Jamie Laing (Made in Chelsea) Sandi Bogle (Gogglebox), presenter Katie Piper and comic Marcus Brigstocke working as volunteer police officers.

The four celebrities are put to the test as they chase after thieves, apprehend violent suspects and intervene in a domestic abuse case amid crippling police cuts and rising crime.

The first series follows Otis (Asa Butterfield), an awkward teenager who sets up a sex therapy clinic for his peers with fellow student Maeve (Emma Mackey), while trying to deal with his own sexual and romantic experiences.

Sex Education explores sexuality, love, relationships, identity and the uncomfortable issues that arise when coming to terms with teenage life.

Netflix released the successful figures for the show last month, showing an estimated 40 million people watched the series within 4 weeks of the show's launch.