Purple lands BBC England Commission

Purple Productions has won the competitive tender to secure the commission of BBC England’s second series of Villages by the Sea.

The Manchester-based Objective Media Group label will produce the BBC Two 6x30 series which sees Archaeologist Ben Robinson explore six of our most stunning coastal villages, from Northumberland to Suffolk and Cornwall, going beyond the postcard image to discover deeper stories about England’s past.

After a highly successful first series, the popular history title will return later this year. Ben is joined by national experts and local enthusiasts in his quest. Using clues from buildings, street patterns, artefacts and the landscape Ben unwraps why the village is there, who lived there, and how.

Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning BBC England, said: “We are working with a range of independent production companies, ensuring our audience sees itself reflected on screen and bringing the English landscape, locations and most importantly, people to all four channels and iPlayer.”

Purple’s Pam Cavannagh and Dympna Jackson said: “‘We are very excited to be working with Aisling and the BBC England team, focusing on regional stories that will touch the BBC audience. The first series of Villages by the Sea was a beautiful watch and we’re looking forward to putting a little bit of Purple in there.”