Season 2021 2021

TV-PG

Documentary looking at the Duke of Edinburgh's early life, his playboy father and troubled mother, and an immediate childhood connection that blossomed into a royal romance. Experts and insiders reveal his achievements in the face of danger as a sailor in the Second World War, and the extraordinary experience of fighting against his aristocratic German brothers-in-law. The programme also explores the extent of the sacrifices he made to marry Princess Elizabeth in 1947, giving up his Mediterranean titles, becoming a naturalised British citizen and devoting his life to the service of the crown, always in deference to his wife.

The Liverpudlian comic performs before a host of showbiz celebrities including Cilla Black, Bruce Forsyth, Billy Connolly, Michael Parkinson,Harry Secombe and Henry Cooper. Jimmy will be fielding questions from the audience, and the event concludes with a special jam session featuring Hank Marvin, Rick Wakeman, Kenny Jones, Justin Hayward and John Lodge.

At the age of 80, Jimmy Tarbuck tells the story of his extraordinary career. Over three months he has recorded all the anecdotes from a lifetime in the limelight. With contributions from family, friends and stars, such as Bradley Walsh, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Les Dennis and, in their last interview together, Tommy Cannon and the late Bobby Ball.

Documentary looking at the surprising and colourful life of the potential future queen consort. This film charts Charles and Camilla's rollercoaster relationship, from the moment they met, through the Diana years, to their own marriage in Windsor in 2005.

An eye-opening documentary that hears the holiday horror stories of Britain's rapidly growing obese population.

A profile of Wallis Simpson, focusing on her early years before she met the future king, asking whether she was a scheming seductress or one of the most maligned women in history. Her first marriage, to a heavy-drinking US naval officer, was a tempestuous on-off relationship, and in 1928, she married her first British husband, Ernest Aldrich Simpson, an English-American shipping executive. However, it wasn't until three years later that she was introduced to the Prince of Wales at an event at Burrough Court - a meeting that was to spark an infamous period in British history.

A look at some of the most iconic names in British industry.

John Sweeney murdered and dismembered the bodies of two ex-girlfriends before dumping them in canals in London and Rotterdam in 1990 and 1992. This programme examines the police investigation that finally brought him to justice after evading capture for years, and reveals how John Sweeney was ultimately undone by his own hand.

Exploration of the queen's life through her diaries, journals and letters, as well as other items in the royal archives, to reveal the human behind the image and giving a fresh perspective on her life.

Examining the killer preying on London's gay community. Colin Ireland held a morbidly perverse ambition to become a serial killer, taunting the detectives investigating the case.

Talent shows may be one of the most popular genres on TV, but both on screen and behind the scenes, things don't always go to plan as Nicki Chapman reveals. The former judge on 2001 series Popstars looks at the most incredible moments from some of the best loved shows in history, ranging from Pop Idol (which Nicki also worked on) to The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing to Dancing on Ice. She also meets the key participants from the judges and commissioners to the contestants.

When Fergie Met The Monarchy, a new documentary airing on Channel 5, will shed light on the Queen and Prince Philip’s response to the infamous ‘toe-sucking’ incident. The programme explores the Duchess of York’s life within The Firm – and the reactions of its senior members to the photographs of her and Texan millionaire John Bryan.

The 1996 killing of Stephen Cameron, who died from stab wounds after being attacked by a fellow driver on an M25 slip-road at Swanley in Kent.
British police identified career criminal Kenneth Noye as the chief suspect, but had to extradite him from Spain before he could be tried for murder.

A portrait of the royal party girl in the Caribbean.

Many people find it hard to talk about bereavement and we all have different ways of coping (or not) with a loss. Yet death is something everyone
experiences during their lifetime and, tragically, many more of us this year will be struck by grief. Although Esther Rantzen’s husband Desmond
Wilcox died 20 years ago, she admits widowhood is still challenging, while her family say she’s in denial.

In this programme she tentatively tries to examine her feelings as well as hearing from six people who talk unflinchingly about their experiences of loss. Each story is terrible in its own way and moves Esther to tears. It’s a painful watch. But worth your time.

Here she enlists the help of six individuals who each have their own story to tell, from a woman who lost her husband to Covid-19 and a mother whose child drowned, to a young man who was just 11 when his brother was murdered.

Over three decades after the world's most devastating nuclear accident, Ben Fogle spends a week living alone inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Throughout the expedition, Ben ventures inside the ruins of a nearby hospital, explores the deserted radioactive remains of the ghost town of Pripyat, and goes deep inside the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Revisiting the Queen's daughter's complex and at times scandalous love life, from her relationship with an Olympic champion to her husband, former equerry to the Queen.

Gary Davies narrates this look at the music of 1980, featuring revealing interviews with the singers and band members who made it one of the biggest years in pop. From the Specials and the Jam to Blondie and Bowie, and not forgetting the biggest girl band of the time - the Nolans, it was a year of music and pop videos to remember. Sheena Easton was singing about her man working 9 to 5, Madness stormed the charts with Baggy Trousers and Dexy's Midnight Runners had a memorable number one with Geno. Contributors include Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Katie Puckrik.

Dashcam footage of some of Britain's worst driving offenders, from suspected drug drivers and high-speed chases, to stolen vehicles and banned motorists. Officers from Cheshire Police follow a potentially dangerous driver, and in Warrington, cameras pick up a suspected stolen white van on the move. Elsewhere, an officer in Sandbach spots a suspicious young driver who bumps into a traffic island

The stories of mountaineers who have reached the summit of the world's tallest mountain, including a look at the dangers of the low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The programme examines the factors that allowed Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's 1953 expedition to succeed where so many had failed, and reveals how the Sherpas, who work as porters and guides for expeditions, have a physiology uniquely adapted to surviving at high altitudes.

The Yorkshire Ripper's New Victims is a new Channel 5 documentary which tells the story of the potential "unconfirmed" victims of Peter Sutcliffe.

A look at the rift between Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family, with both sides now engaged in a war of words that threatens to plunge the monarchy into yet more infighting and controversy.

Documentary looking back at the hunt for the serial killer Dale Cregan in Manchester in 2012, who killed four people, two of which were female police officers. After murdering two men linked to a rival family in quick succession, Cregan lured two innocent female officers to his house in Hattersley, Tameside, where he shot them multiple times before fleeing from the scene and eventually handing himself in to the police.

Documentary looking at the impact of the marriage of Diana Spencer and Prince Charles on their respective families, shedding light on the dynamics behind the scenes throughout the union, with the clash between the Spencers and the Windsors among the most high-profile, acrimonious fall-outs in royal history.

Unlocking the childhood of Rose West.

Documentary looking back at the complex investigation launched by Greater Manchester Police into a series of suspicious deaths at Stepping Hill
Hospital in Stockport in 2011, which saw three people lose their lives and a number of other patients become seriously ill after saline used to treat patients had been tampered with.

Fiona Shaw narrates this exploration of Russia's medieval origins through to its bloody expansion to become the biggest country in the world. It's a tale that set the scene for one of the world's most enigmatic figures, and his vision of modern Russia. From a tyrannical grip on ordinary citizens to rampant corruption at the highest level, this film reveals the secrets behind holding the world's largest country together in a narrative that takes in the KGB and its ancestors as well as Stalin, murder and gulags.

Grace Kelly went from bit-parts to Alfred Hitchcock's muse. Biographers and journalists recall her ascent, which led to Hollywood's highest peaks, and saw her awarded an Oscar.

Documentary offering new analysis of the investigation into the prolific serial rapist John Worboys, who drugged, raped and sexually assaulted over 100 victims in the back of his black cab between 2000 and 2008. With access to some of his victims, and the police team that finally cracked the case once flaws in the original investigation emerged, this film's new analysis of the facts explains why it took years before Worboys's long and violent campaign of terror against women was finally brought to an end.

The film delves into Grace Kelly’s finances, telling a very different story to the one society may have been told previously. It exposes the gender pay gap and sexual double standards of 1950s Hollywood, as well as the difficult relationship Grace Kelly had with her parents and how that impacted her finances. The film features contributions from a variety of experts, giving viewers a unique insight into the actress' life and career. The investigation is led by wealth manager and entrepreneur Gemma Godfrey, following the history of Grace Kelly’s relationship with money.

Exploring how two of Aldi's most popular Easter products - their award-winning hot cross buns and their Easter flower choice - make it into the shops.

This is the documentary that brings to life unbelievable stories of ordinary people trapped in the snow. For days, weeks, sometimes even, months on end. In SNOWTRAPPED, we’re going tell their astonishing stories. How they survived against the odds, and against the elements. How they were found, despite having no means of communicating with the outside world. And how they were rescued, often in high stakes missions that put their rescuers in extreme danger too. Using unique and visceral user generated content and archive footage, along with interviews with key protagonists; in SNOW TRAPPED we’ll find out how our cast of survivors made it out of the snow (sometimes others with them weren’t so lucky) and hear the heart-stopping stories of their ordeal. Featuring stories of some of the worst things that can happen to you in the snow – from avalanches to in-car burials to icy plane crashes – this documentary will take the viewer into the heart of the story, as we experience just how petrifying it is to be trapped deep under the snow.

Five volunteers are subjected to a series of tests by a group of scientists from different fields in order to determine the medical causes of their weight gain. The researchers look into the effects of psychological stress, intestine hormones, and genetic factors, while the volunteers are given a diet and a course of cognitive behaviour therapy that are individually customised to address the problems that contributed to their weight gain.

The broadcaster explores the life of the novelist and examines the locations that inspired her, as well as uncovering the real events behind some of her greatest stories. He begins by visiting Austen's birthplace of Steventon in Hampshire and the church there where her father was rector, as well as the house in Chawton where she wrote all her novels.

The story of Princess Diana's former butler, charting his rise and the events of 2002, when he stood trial and was cleared of stealing items belonging to the Princess of Wales. Interviews with those who know Burrell best, including his brother and his ghost writer - as well as royal journalists and insiders - reveal how he went from footman to household name.

Stories from around the world of pets being reunited with their owners after a long period apart, including the story of a woman who rescued and raised an orphan lioness cub, a Spanish donkey that cried when reunited with its human family, and a dog that was separated from his owner for two years, and passed out from excitement when he saw her again.

An exploration of Russia's medieval origins through to its bloody expansion to become the biggest country in the world. It's a tale that set the scene for one of the world's most enigmatic figures, and his vision of modern Russia.

Feature length documentary following UK surgeon John Buckels and a team of international and local medics as they battle to save the lives of people caught up a major humanitarian disaster in war-ravaged South Sudan. This raw and visceral film offers a snapshot of life inside one of the world's largest refugee camps, and the often brutal and unforgiving conditions of a country torn apart by ten years of conflict

Documentary exploring the king's life and reign, looking at the relationships with the women in his life and considering the remarkable period in history he presided over - an era when the arts, culture, technology and architecture flourished in Britain.

An insight into the marriage of Zara and Mike Tindall — arguably the most down-to-earth of royal couples. The pair, who got married in July 2011, have got three children together, Mia, Lena and Lucas.

This documentary will give viewers an insight into how Zara, the eldest granddaughter to the Queen, manages to live a relatively normal life away from the cameras with her husband Mike and their three children.

After meeting in 2003, the pair got married in 2011 and have since carved out hugely successful careers for themselves, while also supporting one another in their personal ventures.

This programme will track their relationship and give an insight into what goes on behind the scenes of the famous royal couple.

The documentary will also see royal commentators talking about the down-to-earth pair, plus a few of Mike's old teachers will spill the beans on what the former England rugby player was like at school.

The investigation into Milly Dowler’s murder didn’t focus on the perpetrator, who had a string of previous complaints against him, until his former partner provided a tip-off.

A look at the life of the Duchess of Kent, who has dedicated her life to helping others and whose warm and informal manner has charmed the public. The programme reveals how she has successfully done things her own way, while remaining an exemplary ambassador for the royal family.

The story of the murder of Bijan Ebrahimi, a refugee

As the prison that holds Britain’s most notorious killers marks its 150th anniversary, this revealing doc explores its past. Delve into Broadmoor’s archives & uncover the truth about the nation's most famous hospital.

Revealing the secrets of the chain's incredible success.

The behind-the-scenes story of how Margaret Thatcher defeated the miners in 1984/85 and changed the face of Britain forever, featuring contributions from Downing Street insiders and those involved in the bloody pitched battles between those on strike and those who wanted to work. The documentary also examines the critical role of her secret weapon, David Hart, an Eton-educated avant-garde filmmaker, an "irregular" who worked with Thatcher behind the scenes. He was her enforcer and ultimately delivered the final blow.

A documentary exploring the stigma behind being a male victim of abuse, tormented at the hands of a female partner, with candid interviews from men sharing their experiences and the friends and families of victims who tried to intervene and save their loved ones from harm. The programme also meets people working at charities and community groups offering an escape route for men who suffer in silence.

Looking behind the science of why Marmite, a British institution falls into the love it or hate it group. Discover its origins, its role in fighting two world wars and even a Marmite-based recipe for cake lovers. Find out who will claim victory – those with a penchant for its taste or those who detest it.

In 1969, Prince Charles challenged himself to find a bride by the age of 30. He missed his target by two years, and in 1981 married Lady Diana Spencer – but prior to that, he is rumoured to have romanced at least 20 women and proposed to two of them. Who were the other women who could have been queen?

The past decade of Kate's life is examined.

Gyles Brandreth travels to the West Yorkshire moors, a landscape synonymous with the stories of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, who spent almost their entire lives here.

Edward VIII, and his relationship with the future Queen.

The secrets of Britain's most popular budget boozer.

The real people and places that inspired the novelist.

As speculation heats up, are the rumours of a rift true?

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is about to celebrate her milestone 40th birthday. In 2018, she married the nation's favourite prince, but almost from the beginning she was portrayed as a difficult figure. Her critics believe she's turned Prince Harry against his family, while those on Team Meghan regard her as someone constrained by stuffy traditions.

The life and storied career of John Travolta, an American actor and singer is examined. (Part of Channel 5's Hollywood Icons series.)

Documentary looking at how the German supermarket has succeeded in the UK, overcoming industry hostility and old-fashioned snobbery to win the public over with its discounted goods.

A luxury holiday complex can accommodate up to 7,000 people at any one time, all experiencing five-star treatment under the Caribbean sun in the Bahamas.

More than 50 years after Dad’s Army hit our screens, this programme features exclusive interviews with some of the cast, their wives and children as they tell the inside story.

An in-depth look at the life of Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, KG GCVO CD, a member of the British royal family.

Tips and tricks on how to improve your lawn from prize-winning lawn fanatics.

Documentary exploring the parallels between Sarah, Duchess of York and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. This film asks what the future holds for them both.

Royal Lord Mountbatten's family discuss his death and the events that followed.

The British public devours over 11 billion sandwiches every year, and this programme reveals the outcome of a national poll to find which is the favourite type. A cast of celebrities counts down the results and looks at hidden stories.

How did serial-killer Bellfield escape justice for so long after murdering Milly Dowler?

Dr Dawn Harper presents solutions for a condition that causes misery to millions.

A profile of the Oscar-winning actor and director, who bucked the Hollywood system to set up his own company and become one of the US's most successful producers. The programme examines a career that has spanned seven decades as star, producer and film-maker, as well as looking at his personal life, with contributions from friends, family and those who know him best.

The story of the actor's extraordinary journey to the top of international movie stardom, featuring interviews given across his stellar career. Alongside Caine's own memories, stories and reflections, the programme includes some of his finest film work, including clips from his Academy Award-nominated performances.

A profile of the Czech-born member of the British Royal Family, who married the Queen's first cousin Prince Michael of Kent in 1978 following a five-year courtship. Princess Michael has become one of the Royal Family's most colourful members, and in 1985, her father was revealed to have served in the SS for 11 years, which embroiled the Windsors in lurid tabloid stories. Royal biographers and journalists consider the many dramas in Princess Michael's royal life, and ponder when she will hit the headlines again.

Leading volcanologists, archaeologists and forensic scientists reveal how the victims of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in AD79, have been perfectly preserved in their final moments.

We're delving deep into the Royal Archives to dig out the funniest and most embarrassing clips, guaranteed to make even the sternest Royal crack a smile.

A profile of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, telling the story of a military leader whose strategy in wartime led the Allies to extraordinary success against all the odds. The programme pieces together one of Britain's most complex military characters and looks at how he led British forces to victories in the Second World War after overcoming one of the biggest mistakes of his career Operation Market Garden.

Green goddess Kate Humble shares her favourite sustainable ways to live a good life.

Incredible footage is colourised for the first time, providing a glimpse of 1800s Britain.

Exploring every conceivable type of Christmas Cake.

The story of Freddie’s career from his early days in Queen to the height of their fame.

She recently had to withdraw
from Remembrance Sunday due
to a sprained back, but that's only one of several unfortunate events the Queen (below) has had to endure in 2021. This sombre programme details some of them, including the loss of her beloved husband Prince Philip and issues involving Prince Harry and the Duke of York.

A series of award-winning science documentaries manage to provide in-depth examinations into a wide array of interesting topics as well as the curious minds that are leading the charge in their never-ending exploration into the fields.

Documentary revealing all about the multinational, Seattle-based chain of coffeehouses.

A profile of the comedian and actor drawing on interviews, TV appearances and stand-up performances from his career to reveal his journey from a childhood of maternal abandonment in Glasgow to the very top of international showbusiness.

A showcase of amazing Christmas trees from across the world.

The tempestuous tale of Lord Snowdon’s marriage to Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister.

This feature length documentary tells the definitive story of the life of the legendary singer and actor, Frank Sinatra, from his difficult birth through his stellar rise.

Documentary presented by Rob Bell, following experts as they use cutting-edge technology to uncover a previously unknown subterranean ring.

Lord Louis Mountbatten, distinguished naval officer and last viceroy of India, is perhaps best remembered as elder statesman of the royals. Uncle to Prince Philip, he had an even closer bond with his great-nephew Prince Charles. But there is a lesser-known – yet vital – part of Mountbatten’s life in his open marriage to multimillionaire Edwina Ashley. This film charts how Louis and Edwina gradually became the `It” couple of their time, despite a series of scandals that caused a sensation in society, but largely stayed out of the newspapers.

Gregg explores the spectacular Tivoli Gardens in the heart of Copenhagen. Here, he finds out how designers use more than a million lights to create a festive show unlike anywhere else in the world, before visiting one of the city's oldest bakeries to take a special tour of the factory. Back onto the bustling streets of Copenhagen, he visits some of the other famous Christmas markets, including one dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen

The Christmas holiday is celebrated at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, an internationally significant botanical research and education institution in the United Kingdom.

Gyles Brandreth travels across Britain visiting the places that inspired one of Britain's most famous storytellers: Charles Dickens.

A glimpse inside Britain's most famous toy shop at its busiest time of year.