BBC Factual and BBC England have co-commissioned Label1 to make a new 6×60” series that will chart the progress of new infantry recruits as they train to fight on the frontline in the British Army.

The six-part series will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

‘Soldier: Made in Yorkshire’ (w/t) follows a new intake on the gruelling six-month training course at the British Army’s Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The recruits will be pushed to their limits as they navigate the extreme ups and downs of their new world, and are transformed from young civilians into well-drilled soldiers.

Label1, makers of the BBC series ‘Hospital’, secured exclusive access to the infantry training centre and cameras will follow recruits over twenty-six demanding weeks as they are put through their paces on a course designed to test their physical and mental agility, military prowess, and survival skills.

The new series forms part of the BBC’s commitment to producing more content from across the UK.

Label1 co-founder Lorraine Charker-Phillips, said: “At Label1 we’re well-known for our popular award-winning documentaries about the NHS and the education system. Now, we are privileged to be working with the British Army on this series about one of the United Kingdom’s most historic and personally transformative military training courses.”

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Science & Natural History at BBC Television, said: This is no game show: infantry training at Catterick is the real thing. If these young recruits can survive the course, they don’t just win bragging rights – they win a whole new life.

 “It’s real-world drama at its most thrilling and uplifting, and I’m delighted to be working with BBC England and the award-winning team at Label1 to bring it to the screen.”

Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning for BBC England, said: We are always on the lookout for great access and new story telling opportunities in England. So, I’m delighted to be working with Label1 and BBC Factual on this exciting proposition for the audience.”

A British Army spokesperson, said: “The British Army is greatly looking forward to collaborating with the BBC and Label1 on this new documentary on the Infantry Training Centre’s Combat Infantry Course, which provides the skills required for young men and women to become the next generation of infanteers in the Army of tomorrow. The training environment is a testing one which will present these young recruits with challenges they never thought achievable prior to enlistment.  There will be many highs and lows, some will fail in their endeavours but all will leave Catterick having had the experiences of a lifetime and having formed lifelong friendships.”

‘Soldier: Made in Yorkshire’ (w/t) is a BBC Factual and BBC England co-commission for BBC One and iPlayer has been produced by Label1.

The series producer is Kim Rossiter and the series director is Paul Wells. It is executive produced by Fran Baker and Label1 co-founders Lorraine Charker-Phillips and Simon Dickson. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Science and Natural History and Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning BBC England.

Jon Creamer

Share this story

Share Televisual stories within your social media posts.
Be inclusive: Televisual.com is open access without the need to register.
Anyone and everyone can access this post with minimum fuss.