Joyous passions

BBC press releases are of variable quality, but, since the departure of drama boss Ben Stephenson for the wide-open spaces of LA, I've largely been able to keep my breakfast down. Ben's rhodomontade when announcing new commissions was special.

Now Alison Kirkham, Factual Commissioner, is giving me and Ben the runs for our money....

“My vision in the years ahead is to offer the variety, breadth and unrivalled commitment to quality that has always been our trademark but also to engage with audiences more than ever, on their own terms, on what matters most to them today. No subject should be taboo. We can’t and won’t shy away from ambitious, complicated programmes.

"Count on us to provide a place for difficult issues and joyous passions to sit beside each other; to embrace complexity and authorship; and to take creative risks and back specialism. From history to science, religion to natural history, specialisms have always been a fundamental part of the story of BBC Factual and will continue to thrive on the BBC.

"Today we are announcing a range of new commissions that illustrate the way forward. There are programmes that open our eyes to the world, that show us what has never been seen and take us to places we have never been - and that entertain and inspire us. But there are also commissions that interrogate some of the big issues facing our society today - programmes which will be bold enough to ask challenging questions, spark tough debate and target real change.”

Claudia Winkleman hosts a makeover show, Miriam Margolyes becomes the nth celeb to make a journey from Chicago to New Orleans, The Real Marigold Hotel returns, documentary series follows vicars...