The BBC has unveiled two exciting new factual commissions during the Wales Screen Summit, showcasing the diverse talent and vibrant communities of the UK.
Produced by South Shore and based in Cardiff, both series promises to captivate audiences with their unique themes and captivating hosts.
Catherine Catton, BBC Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment & Events, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming shows, stating, “These two new shows showcase the food, passion, and creativity of people all across the UK, and I’m very excited to be bringing them to BBC viewers.”
The first commission, Andi Oliver’s Big Bash (working title), will grace the screens of BBC Two and iPlayer. Renowned chef and restaurateur Andi Oliver take centre stage in this series, bringing her expertise in party organizing to towns and cities across the country. Oliver firmly believes in the power of delicious food, good vibes, and great music to unite people and uplift spirits.
With a remarkable background that includes legendary warehouse parties in the 80s and ground-breaking pop-up restaurants, Oliver is the ultimate party starter. In Andi Oliver’s Big Bash, she embarks on a mission to help communities nationwide celebrate their towns and neighbourhoods in the most joyful way possible.
Each episode of the series will witness Andi’s creative sparks fly as she concocts unique themed dishes to serve on the big day. She will explore local cuisine and meet with regional chefs and suppliers to understand the flavours and recipes that define each area.
However, food is just the beginning. Andi, a former singer in the 80s punk band Rip Rig and Panic, will also delve into local culture, uncovering talented performers and artists who will bring each event to life.
Andi’s journey will uncover personal stories and the rich social history that makes each British town, city, and community truly unique.
This wealth of knowledge will find its way into her recipes and party plans, making each gathering an unforgettable experience.
The second commission, The Hairy Bikers Go West, is an eight-part series that pays homage to the fantastic food producers, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery found along Britain’s west shores.
BBC Two and iPlayer will be the platforms for this exciting culinary adventure, featuring the beloved duo Si King and Dave Myers, better known as the Hairy Bikers.
The Hairy Bikers Go West celebrates enduring friendship, the passion of foodies, and the incredible people residing in this region. Si and Dave will embark on a journey from north to south, exploring the producers, farmers, and chefs contributing to a modern British culinary revolution.
Each episode will take viewers across a stunning section of the west coast, uncovering the area’s uniqueness through its restaurants, recipes, producers, and innovative food entrepreneurs.
From Scotland to Devon, the Bikers will revisit places with personal meaning, locations where their friendship was forged, and sites linked to their family history. While embracing the familiar, they will also embrace the new, encountering fresh friends and exploring unfamiliar landscapes while cooking mouth-watering recipes inspired by the diversity of the West coast.
Their adventure commences on Bute Island and continues through Dumfries & Galloway, Lancashire, Merseyside & the Isle of Man, North Wales, The Severn Estuary, and Somerset, concluding in Devon. Along the way, they will encounter the best artisan food producers in the UK, alongside award-winning chefs and passionate locals eager to share their love for local produce.
Catherine Catton, BBC Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment & Events, has spearheaded both commissions, ensuring their creation and delivery to BBC viewers. The executive producers for South Shore are Andrew Mackenzie, Melanie Leach, and James Hedge. Leading the BBC commissioning team is Patrick McMahon for Andi Oliver’s Big Bash and Jasmyn McGuile with Francois Gandolfi for The Hairy Bikers Go West.
As the anticipation builds, viewers can look forward to immersing themselves in the culinary delights, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable moments that both Andi Oliver’s Big Bash and The Hairy Bikers Go West promise to deliver.
