DARA Ó BRIAIN EXPLORES THE MYSTERIES OF THE MOON FOR CHANNEL 5

DARA Ó BRIAIN’S SECRETS OF OUR MOON 

LONDON, Tuesday 28th March 2023:  Comedian, writer, amateur astronomer and astrophotographer Dara Ó Briain, is to explore all aspects of the moon in a new, 2 x 60’ series produced by BBC Studios Science Unit for Channel 5: Dara Ó Briain: Secrets of Our Moon (w/t).

The moon has been the source of myths, legends and wonder across time.  In this series, Dara takes viewers on a journey to explore the ways in which the moon shapes just about everything – from who we are, to the world we live in.

Across the series Dara will be speaking to some of the world’s top lunar experts, scientists, researchers and geologists, as well as experts in other fields such as biology, to get a sense of how widely the moon influences every aspect of our lives.

Dara Ó Briain said: “I love everything about space, but the moon in particular holds a special kind of magic.  It’s inspired countless myths and legends through human history but it’s a place full of genuine cutting-edge scientific mystery - and one which we are gearing up to visit again, over the next decade.  All of which made the offer to present this series irresistible.  I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about our closest celestial neighbour - as well as uncovering some real surprises along the way, including for me too!”

Denise Seneviratne, Commissioning Editor, Non-Scripted UK Originals, Channel 5 & Paramount + said: “The moon is a well-covered subject but one that is perpetually seductive - I am mesmerised by it!  Our viewers will be expertly guided by Dara not only through the science but also in terms of how it impacts the natural world and our everyday lives – Dara will offer a refreshing take and I am very excited to be bringing his expertise to the Channel.”

Steve Crabtree, Executive Producer, BBC Studios Science Unit: “Dara has a genuine love for astronomy, which I know will translate into great telly.  His infectious enthusiasm and longstanding passion for science and storytelling will enable him to explore the moon in a unique and entertaining way.  Delivering a brilliant documentary series, underpinned by real science and something I hope the Channel 5 audience will enjoy.”

Dara Ó Briain’s Secrets of Our Moon (w/t), a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Denise Seneviratne - Commissioning Editor, Non-Scripted UK Originals, Channel 5 & Paramount + from BBC Studios Science Unit, where it was developed by the Creative Director, UK Unscripted - Emma Lorenz.  It will be Directed by Ross Kirby and Fran Jarvis and Executive Produced by Steve Crabtree. 

ENDS  

 For further enquiries please contact: Susan Wilks | susan.wilks@paramount.com I  07855 501 791 

 Hannah Allan  | Hannah.allan@paramount.com I  07890 065 221   

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Notes to Editors:

About Channel 5

Channel 5 is a 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.   

Channel 5 and its digital brands – 5STAR, 5USA, 5Select, 5ACTION and the on-demand service My5 – offer a diverse range of issue-led documentaries & popular factual celebrating the British countryside and drawing talent to the channel, accessible history, premium drama and critically-acclaimed children’s, news and current affairs programming. Through its agenda-driving commissions, Channel 5 leads on societal issues from inequality to homelessness and mental health, aiming to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the nation.   

In 2018, Channel 5 won its first BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald. The following year, Raped: My Story won best Single Documentary at RTS. In 2020, it won crowned Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Awards and by the RTS. In addition that year, it secured its first ever Grierson award win in the ‘Best Single Documentary – Domestic’ category with Suicidal: In Our Own Words. In 2021, it won best factual entertainment at the Broadcast Awards for Springtime on the Farm. It also won best drama at Voice of the Listener & Viewer for All Creatures Great and Small the same year.   

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £1.6bn (21/22). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on four pillars: a global Content Studio (producing, investing and distributing content globally); Channels & Streaming platforms in the UK and across the world; a Brands & Licencing operation which seeks to amplify the impact of IP; and the successful UK-based multi-channel network UKTV. Around 2,400 hours of award-winning British programmes made by the business every year, with three-quarters of its revenues 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, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com, BBC Studios’ global digital news platform, has 139 million unique browser visits each month.