Salamanda Media has been commissioned to make Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders (w/t), a new four-part series for More4.
In Hidden Wonders, Toksvig meets Britain’s professional and amateur history hunters at four archaeological dig sites across the country to capture the stories of undiscovered treasures as they emerge from the ground for the first time.
At each dig, she is joined by archaeologist Raksha Dave who will work with the teams of experts excavating the land, as well as sharing the history of the biggest and most remarkable finds.
Toksvig also searches for clues about the wider histories of the areas of each dig to answer questions the newly excavated items raise, as well as meeting local historians to help piece together the stories unearthed at each location.
Sandi Toksvig said: “This is the dream job for a history and archaeology enthusiast like me. It is a total privilege to be given access to professional archaeological dig sites and to join Raksha and the teams as they dig to reveal the history of our country from right beneath our feet.”
Raksha Dave said: “It’s so wonderful to share this experience with Sandi. Together, we travel across the UK to join archaeological teams as they uncover astonishing stories from our collective past. We’re both thrilled to bring archaeology back to the heart of Channel 4 – engaging audiences in a fun, approachable, and compelling format that offers real insight into how people lived and the communities helping to rediscover their stories.”
Jayne Stanger, commissioning editor for Channel 4, said: “Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders is a brilliant combination of storytelling above ground and the fascinating histories hiding below. Sandi is the perfect host, with her authentic interest and passion for history shining through every step of the way. I can’t wait to see what the teams unearth at each dig and to share it with our audience on More4.”
Amanda De Freitas and Sally Evans, Executive Producers at Salamanda Media, said: “We’re so thrilled to be making this fascinating new series that combines Sandi Toksvig’s wonderful wit and genuine passion for archaeology with the brilliant expertise of Raksha Dave. With exclusive access to some of the most astonishing active digs across the UK, it promises a fresh and exciting look into Britain’s rich heritage and we can’t wait to reveal the extraordinary discoveries unearthed along the way.”
Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders (w/t) is a 4×60’ series made by Salford-based Salamanda Media for More4. It was commissioned by Jayne Stanger, Senior Commissioning Editor, Lifestyle, Channel 4, with Jo Street, Director of Commissioning, Nations and Regions and Channel 4’s Head of Lifestyle. The executive producers are Amanda De Freitas and Sally Evans, with Julie Grant as series producer.
More4 has also ordered two new series of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, from Wise Owl Films.
Pippa Considine
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