Purple Production’s Villages by The Sea is set to return to BBC Two and iPlayer for another ten part series, expanding from previous series to look beyond England. Hosted by archaeologist Ben Robinson, this will be the first time the series will embark on a captivating journey across the entire British Isles.
Villages by The Sea was commissioned by Diana Hare. It is executive produced by Pam Cavannagh and Dympna Jackson. Zoe Thorman is the series editor.
From Seaton Sluice in Northumberland to Solva in Wales, Culross in Scotland and Cushendall in Northern Ireland, each episode will offer viewers a different picture of the idyllic coastal village, going beyond the postcard image to discover deeper stories about Britain’s past as Robinson is joined by national experts and local enthusiasts in his quest. Using clues from buildings, street patterns, artefacts and the landscape Robinson will focus on a key moment in the village’s history and unwrap why the village is there, who lived there, and how.
Purple’s Pam Cavannagh and Dympna Jackson said “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to grow this beautiful series for BBC Two and iPlayer. We’ve visited so many incredible villages in the previous series and we can’t wait to see the stories Ben will uncover as we explore more hidden gems right across the UK.”
Diana Hare said “Ben’s fresh take on the hidden histories of our coastal villages has made the series a huge hit with audiences. It is very exciting to be able to showcase beautiful locations and their communities around the coast of Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland as well.”
Manchester-based Purple was launched in 2019 by Pam Cavannagh and Dympna Jackson. Its shows include Heaven Made at Christmas for BBC One, The Lake District Farmshop at Christmas for Channel 4 and Motorway Cops: Catching Britian’s Speeders for Channel 5. Upcoming series include A Cotswold Farm Shop and Britain’s Most Beautiful Road for Channel 4. As well as leading Purple, Cavannagh and Jackson head up Objective Media Group North, producing content originated by OMG’s London-based labels. including co-production Saving Our Nurses for BBC One with Betty and ITV daytime favourite Lingo with Triple Brew Media.
Pippa Considine
Share this story