BBC Shows Off Autumn Schedule

BBC One has revealed details of its autumn schedule that its hopes will compete with the one recently unveiled by ITV (see ‘Refreshment, Renewal And Reality,’ Says ITV). Big hitters include The Life Of Birds, an adaption of the novel Vanity Fair and Victoria Wood’s first faure into situation comedy dinnerladies. The number of series being commisioned cover a wide range of programme types, with the aforementioned ones seemingly the pick of the bunch.

Among the other gems on offer include: The Scarlet Pimpernel featuring Richard E Grant; a new entertainment series for Lenny Henry called Lenny Goes To Town; an adaption of The Mrs Bradley Mysteries starring Diana Rigg in the title role; Undercover Heart with Steve Mackintosh and Daniela Nardini (Anna from This Life); a behind the scenes look at Selfridge department store and a new children’s comedy drama Microsoap.

Series returning in the autumn include: Omnibus, which has featured programmes on ballerina Darcey Bussell and Alan McGee, head of Oasis’s record label Creation; Birds Of A Feather, which will include the 100th episode, children’s fantasy drama The Queen’s Nose and unfortunately Noel’s House Party.

Sport coverage comes in the shape of football with the European campaigns of Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United all featuring on BBC1.

Reviewer: Simon Wright

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