BBC Arts has announced a new series of Extraordinary Portraits, hosted by the multi-talented Bill Bailey, which will pay tribute to the remarkable heroes of the NHS on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. The six-part series, set to air on BBC One and be available on BBC iPlayer, will feature specially commissioned portraits that capture the spirit and dedication of NHS personnel.
In this compelling series, Bill Bailey, renowned for his love of art, collaborates with leading British artists to create a captivating collection of portraits. The focus is on compassionate doctors, inspiring nurses, dedicated porters, passionate paramedics, and selfless cleaners who go above and beyond to care for others. Through this unique project, their extraordinary work, lives, and personalities will be immortalised for future generations.
Expressing his excitement about the series, Bill Bailey commented, “It’s been a real privilege to be part of the new series of Extraordinary Portraits. Hearing the incredible stories of the staff who work in the NHS, and watching the brilliant range of featured artists at work has been a fantastic experience. I can’t wait for viewers to see ordinary, yet extraordinary individuals immortalised in portraiture, particularly on the 75th anniversary of the NHS.”
Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts, emphasised the significance of the project, stating, “Extraordinary Portraits has already established itself as a favourite with audiences, keen to see which modern British heroes are going to be immortalised in paint. Now, with Bill Bailey at the helm, we celebrate the inspiring people of the NHS who take us from cradle to grave, but whose inner lives we rarely see anything of. Capturing the spirit and soul of this outstanding group of people has been a privilege, and we are so proud of the stunning artworks – sculptures, paintings, and photography – that have come out of this series.”
Nav Raman, Executive Producer and Co-founder of Chatterbox Media, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Bill Bailey, stating, “Bill was a natural choice as host. He is someone who connects with the artists and subjects; not only is he an artist himself, but both his parents spent their lives working for the NHS. His empathy and warmth toward the NHS employees we’re celebrating makes this a very exciting series – we are thrilled to be working with him.”
Produced by Chatterbox Media, Extraordinary Portraits is set to captivate audiences on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producers, Nav Raman and Ali Quirk, have worked alongside Bill Bailey and a team of talented artists to create this remarkable series. The show was commissioned by Emma Cahusac for BBC One and BBC Arts, reflecting the widespread recognition of the NHS and the exceptional individuals who serve within it.
