DARA Ó BRIAIN EXAMINES VOLCANOES FOR CHANNEL 5 WITH BBC STUDIOS & KREMPELWOOD

VOLCANO WITH DARA Ó BRIAIN (W/T) 2 X 60’ 

LONDON, TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY: Dara Ó Briain, comedian and presenter, now turned explorer, is setting off on an awe-inspiring new adventure for Channel 5 in a 2 x 60’ series co-produced by BBC Studios Science Unit and Krempelwood – Volcano with Dara Ó Briain (w/t).

This two-part series for Channel 5 will see Dara Ó Briain embark on another journey of discovery, exploring the immense power of volcanoes.   

For millennia, volcanoes have inspired both awe and fear. In this two-part series, comedian Dara Ó Briain heads to Italy to explore the immense power of its most active volcanoes. There’s Stromboli, whose constant eruptions have earned its nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. Mount Etna, where volcanic soils produce some of the best wines in the world. And Vesuvius, where a devastating eruption thousands of years ago, buried a city and boiled the brains of its inhabitants. With stunning visuals, compelling stories, and Dara’s trademark wit, this series uncovers the deadly force of volcanoes and their lasting impact on our planet.

Dara Ó Briain said: “What an adventure! I got to clamber up the side of live volcanoes, and watch plumes of lava explode into the air; I learned how close we live to these magnificent, unstoppable monsters and saw how real their threat is. Then we drank wine from volcanic soil, ate the best pizza in the world and learned how to love life, under the shadow of destruction. Who said Geology was just rocks!"

Denise Seneviratne, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, Channel 5 added: “Volcanoes have always captivated me. How insignificant we are in the face of the power of nature – I think this will really resonate with our viewers and who better to bring this to life than Dara Ó Briain with his enthusiasm and fresh outlook. Working with BBC Studios once again, who bring their expertise and creativity to the series, has been a real pleasure.”

Rob Liddell, Executive Producer, BBC Studios commented: “It is really exciting to be working with Dara again on this incredible trip to Europe’s most volcanic hotspot.  Dara uses his unique combination of amazing wit and passion for knowledge to uncover one of Earth’s most powerful forces. With him as our guide and BBC Studios Science Unit’s reputation for outstanding programming we’ve created a series that I believe will thrill audiences.”  

Finally, Blair Krempel, Krempelwood said: "This is our third series working with BBC Studios and Dara for Channel 5, we’ve been to the moon and the sun so it’s great to be working with them again on this exciting adventure to explore Italy’s volcanoes.”  

Volcano with Dara O Briain (w/t), a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Denise Seneviratne - Commissioning Editor, Unscripted at Channel 5. It will be Directed by Alastair Duncan and Executive Produced by Rob Liddell and is a co-production with Krempelwood.     

Dara is back on tour across the UK and Ireland in 2025/2026 with his brand new live stand-up show 'Re:Creation'.

ENDS  

 For further enquiries please contact: Hannah Allan  | hannah.allan@paramount.com

For images please contact the picture desk: picturepublicity@paramount.com

Notes to Editors: 

About Channel 5  

Channel 5 is a multi-award-winning public service broadcaster and the UK’s third largest commercial TV station. Launched in March 1997, Channel 5 has been part of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) since its acquisition in September 2014. Its portfolio includes digital channels 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT, 5ACTION.   

Channel 5 and on-demand platform My5 offer a diverse range of critically acclaimed, original programmes featuring well-known faces and fresh new talent – from issue-led documentaries, popular factual series and accessible history shows to premium drama and agenda-setting news & current affairs. Channel 5 is the only PSB to air children’s content daily through its much-loved programming strand Milkshake!, home to some of the world’s favourite pre-school characters. The free to air channel’s distinctive British programming aims to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the UK.   This year Channel 5 has continued to attract industry acclaim for documentary White Nanny Black Child, winning both a BAFTA Television Award (specialist factual) and an RTS Award, whilst Endurance Race to the Pole received a BAFTA nomination in the factual entertainment category. In 2023, Who Killed Billie Jo? won best documentary series at the inaugural True Crime Awards and home-grown drama All Creatures Great and Small took home the Stress Buster Award at the Radio Times’ Screen Test Awards.   

About BBC Studios   

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £2.1 billion (2021/22: £1,630 million). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the global Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Channels & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. Around 2,500 hours of award-winning British programmes are made by the business every year, with over 80% of total BBC Studios revenues coming from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com is BBC Studios’ global digital news platform, offering up-to-the-minute international news, in-depth analysis and features.    

About Krempelwood   

Krempelwood has financed and co-produced 80+ TV series across a broad range of genres for a dozen different channels in the Paramount, WBD, Hearst and Sky stables