David Attenborough's 'momentous' new show arriving weeks before 100th birthday
Sir David Attenborough is returning to the BBC for a "deeply fitting" new nature programme.
Sir David Attenborough's new show feels "momentous and deeply fitting" weeks before his 100th birthday.
The iconic broadcaster and natural historian is set to celebrate the milestone on May 8, and this weekend his new series Secret Garden will be released on iPlayer exploring the incredible wildlife in gardens across the UK.
Producer Bill Markham said: "As Sir David Attenborough approaches his 100th birthday, having him narrate the series feels both momentous and deeply fitting.
"The first question anyone asks when you’re making a wildlife programme is whether he’s involved - and for good reason.
"Over the past seventy years, he has come to define the genre.
"For many of us, his films were the spark that set us on this path, so working on Secret Garden at this moment feels particularly special."
Bill explained how Sir David's involved "had a profound effect on the production".
He added: "As a team, we’ve undoubtedly raised our standards, mindful that every frame and every line of script would be subject to his careful attention.
"That knowledge alone has sharpened our focus and ambition. There’s also no denying the impact of his name.
"It brings a level of visibility that is invaluable - especially for a series like ours."
The five-episode series will cover Oxfordshire, Bristol, the Lake District, Wye Valley and the Western Highlands.
Bill admitted a series focused on garden wildlife could appear "gentle or understated", but having Sir David on board helps.
He said: "Audiences can expect not only insight and authority, but real drama. Even within a domestic setting, the laws of the wild remain very much in force.
"At a time when wildlife gardening is becoming increasingly important for supporting struggling species, his voice carries particular weight.
"If Secret Garden succeeds in encouraging people to rethink what their gardens can be, it will be in no small part due to his influence and enduring credibility."
Secret Garden will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday, April 5.
