More 4 Unveils New Commissions

A number of new and returning series have been commissioned by More 4, it has been confirmed.

The shows include:

Disappearing Britain
Disappearing Britain (12 x 60') celebrates Britain's culture, history, outdoors and tradition. Maureen Lipman and Larry Lamb will be looking at British heritage and exploring the possible threats there are to it. Throughout the series, they will be joined by Michael Buerk and a number of others who will share their own personal heritage passions and help build a picture of the ultimate 'Britishness'. From how we live, travel and work, to the way we speak and what makes us laugh, Disappearing Britain will reveal how much of our daily life is steeped in our history. Produced by Reef Television, the Commissioning Editor is Lizi Wootton, with Chris Kelly as Executive Producer.

Paul Merton's Secret Stations
In this 3 x 60' series, Paul will explore the world of request stop railway stations across Britain. He will travel around the country by train and visit a variety of different request stops to tell the story of why they are there and who uses them. He also also look at their recent history and speak to local people and relevant experts/enthusiasts. The series will be feature living-memory history, pub quiz-type facts, and locals brimming with anecdotes and remembrances. Commissioning Editor is Alex Menzies, and Jacqueline Hewer is Executive Producer. Bob Brown Productions is the production company.

Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages
Penelope Keith returns for more travels through Britain's villages armed with her beloved 'Batsford' guide books in this 4 x 60' commission. She will journey from one village to the next, using the guide book to discover why we love our villages so much, and investigate what's disappeared or changed, as well as what (if anything), has stayed the same. Penelop will also return to areas in Britain where she has a personal connection and a fascination with the local traditions and landscape, including Sussex & Kent, Devon & Cornwall, Cumbria & the Lake District and Royal Deeside in Scotland. Lizi Wootton is Commissioning Editor. Chris Kelly is Executive Producer. Again, Reef Television is the production company behind the series.

Great Canal Journeys
Great Canal Journeys (6 x 60') has been recommissioned for a third series. It features Prunella Scales and Timothy West as they navigate their way through some of them most beautiful and challenging canal routes in Britain and Europe. For almost four decades, canals have provided Tim and Prunella with an escape route from their busy and demanding acting careers. In these personal films, viewers are provided with an insight into how canal journeys enable the pair to see the world and reflect on their own lives. It will be packed with historic and literary references as well as intimate and heartfelt moments. Produced by Spun Gold TV, Commissioning Editor is Gill Wilson and Executive Producer is Dani Neumann.

Stately Homemaking With Phil Spencer
Phil Spencer will be taking a tour of Britain's most extravagant country houses in this 6x60' series, retelling their history and using his surveying skills to explore why and how they were built. Uncovering the historical context in which they were built, as well as revealing the logistical and technical challenges required to construct them, Phil will calculate the sheer amount of materials, labour and costs required to build the homes. Taking a step inside the shoes of some of the most ambitious home-makers in Britain's history, the series will reveal the hidden history of the country's heritage from a new perspective. Produced by Mayfly Television, Commissioning Editor is Alex Menzies, with Marcus Stephenson as Executive Producer.

www.channel4.com

(JP/MH)