This coming Bank Holiday Monday, August 30th marks the UK Premiere of the Emmy nominated twelve part epic series documenting the birth and growth of America into the powerhouse superstate that we now know.
The series starts with the arrival of the first English settlers who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to make their home in the land of opportunity. The documentary shows how Tobacco farming saved the first settlers and how peace was reached with the Native Indians.
Charting the incredible development of the US from those first steps 400 years ago, each of the twelve parts in the series covers an essential era in the rich history of the country.
The series combines brilliant reconstructions and CGI animation, to dramatise moments from the country’s past. These significant events detail how advances in technology have enabled America to become one of the most prosperous and diverse nations in the world.
The series includes the views and perspectives of some of Americas best known intellectuals, businessmen and celebrities, who share their thoughts on American culture and greatest historical events.
The History of the US includes events right up to the modern day, covering consumerism, entertainment, the Millennium and how the country was rocked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
America: The History of the US will Premiere in the UK on the History Channel on Monday August 30th at 8pm
The final episode of the police drama ‘The Bill’ will be on our screens at the end of the month following the axing of the programme in March due to a fall in ratings.
The finale, which has been given the title ‘Respect’ will be followed by a one-hour special documentary called ‘Farewell The Bill’ outlining the shows history as well as taking a look behind the scenes as the cast and crew film their final acts.
Britain’s longest running police series began on 16th October 1984 and was originally intended as a one-off but was soon commissioned for a one-hour weekly slot. In 1988, the series was increased to three programmes a week before returning to a weekly one-hour episode ten-years later.
The final episode was filmed in June of this year and is due to be aired on August 31st at 9pm on ITV followed by the special documentary at 10.35pm.
Unbelievably the family labelled as Britain’s laziest and fattest return to our screens for a second helping of Lorraine Kelly’s Next Big Fat Challenge at the end of August.
The Chawners came to prominence when daughter Emma appeared in the X Factor auditions and was so awful she was sent packing by Simon Cowell and the other judges, only to be confronted by the head of the family who considered that the experts had no idea when it came to spotting talent.
Luckily I managed to miss the first series as I will again for the new series, it is hard to imagine why anybody would be vaguely interested in seeing a TV company throw money at a family like the Chawners.
Lorraine Kelly has her work cut out in her second attempt at getting this family off their backsides and into work, if you are interested enough the new series premieres on August 24th at 8pm on the Bio Channel.
Lorraine Kelly’s Next Big Fat Challenge – August 24th on Bio at 8pm
Continuing its excellent season of programmes under the banner of ‘Spirit of 1940′, Yesterday broadcasts the fourth part of the series on Thursday August 12th with the story of the ‘Heroes of Biggin Hill.’
Biggin Hill became the most famous fighter station in the world due to the part that it played in the Battle of Britain and this fascinating documentary tells the story of the bravery and courage shown not just by the pilots, but the local community as a whole.
With its close proximity to London, Biggin Hill was a prime target for Hitler’s air attacks in England and having had some major success against the Luftwaffe the airbase raised itself as a real threat to the German air-force who sent in bombers to blow up the site.
The loss of life was extreme as residents around the area felt the full force of war, long before the London Blitz and the fighter station was all but destroyed.
A clever tactic from Group Captain Grice during the raid was to blow up the remaining hangar on the airfield, convincing the Germans that the base was destroyed. This allowed the Biggin Hill fighters the chance to regroup and comeback with ever more courage and determination as they continued to fight and protect the country from the enemy.
The programme tells the story of the valiant pilots, as well as the community at the base and its environs who kept ‘the few’ flying. Perhaps the most incredible bravery came from three women- Elspeth Henderson, Elizabeth Mortimer and Helen Turner, who continued to man the phones despite being told to go to shelters. They all received the Military Medal; the first women to ever get the honour. Elspeth Green’s daughter gives a heartfelt account of her mother’s story.
Elspeth Henderson
An expert eye is cast across the history of the airbase by historians who have in some cases given their lives to researching Biggin Hill. Haven spoken with veterans for many years their in-depth knowledge gives a true insight into what actually happened all those years ago. Their credible interpretation of events bring to life the Biggin Hill story and celebrates the lives of all that fought there.
Tune in to The Heroes of Biggin Hill exclusively on Yesterday: Sky 537, Virgin 203, Freeview 12 on Thursday 12th August at 10pm. For more information visit the Yesterday website.
Its the final episode of BBC3′s adult puppet comedy show Mongrels tonight and it is sure to go out with a bang, as it takes place on bonfire night, November 5th.
Marion falls in with the wrong crowd of animals who are determined to stop humans from celebrating bonfire night forever by making their own plans to emulate Guy Fawkes and blow up the pub. It is left to Nelson to become the hero and save Destiny from certain death.
Destiny is asked to model for a photographer while out walking in the park, only to find that the photographer has different ideas to her about what constitutes glamour, prompting the song ‘Ugly Women Are Beautiful Too.’
And finally Kali has her wings clipped by the over zealous fire warden Nelson and nasty neighbour Vince decides that he is going to eat her. Kali realises that she must keep Vince fed or she will be appearing in her own version of Come Dine With Me.
The final episode in this series of Mongrels can be seen on BBC 3 tonight at 10.30pm.
You can also catch up with the series by visiting the BBC3 website where this episode will be available after transmission tonight.
Here’s your chance to be one of the first to watch Mongrels Uncovered - a documentary all about the on set secrets and behind the scenes challenges. Head to the BBC3 blog to be one of the lucky readers getting a chance to see it first before it’s shown on telly.
