UKTV has commissioned a third series of Secrets of the London Underground (10×60’) for its leading factual channel, Yesterday. Produced by Brown Bob, the previous two series have proved very popular with Yesterday viewers. The first series in July 2021 became Yesterday’s biggest ever launch of a new programme, and the second series, which aired last year, was Yesterday’s second strongest launch in 2022.
The new third series will air later in 2023 and is presented once again by rail historian Tim Dunn (The Architecture The Railways Built) and Engagement Manager from the London Transport Museum, Siddy Holloway. As part of her work for the London Transport Museum, Siddy has the keys to many locked away places on the vast London Underground network that reveal fascinating details of British social and rail history and Tim unearths other historical gems in the museum’s archives. The new series promises to visit significant parts of the London’s underground system, such as Leicester Square, which once held the world’s longest escalator, and South Kensington, which dates from 1868.
Secrets of the London Underground is commissioned for UKTV by head of factual and factual entertainment, Helen Nightingale and ordered by Yesterday channel director, Gerald Casey and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. Produced by Brown Bob, the executive producer is Emma Roberts Price, and the series producer is Charlotte Dawes.
UKTV’s Helen Nightingale said, “I love Secrets of the London Underground! The way the programme brings the history of the Tube to life in such a unique manner is really wonderful. I’m so pleased that Siddy, Tim and the brilliant team at Brown Bob have found even more secrets to share with us.”
Jacqueline Hewer, CEO of Brown Bob said, “There is such a fascination with the London Underground, and we’re delighted to be able to take Yesterday viewers behind the scenes of the tube once again. We’ve got more hidden places to unlock and more intriguing secrets to reveal – with Tim and Siddy bringing stations to life in their brilliantly enthusiastic way.”
Gerald Casey added, “I’m so pleased we can bring Secrets of the London Underground back for a third series. The programme has captured the imagination of Yesterday viewers, and it’s easy to see why with such brilliant access, expert insight and warm enthusiasm. We can’t wait for series three to air later this year.”
London Transport Museum’s director Sam Mullins OBE said, “As the Underground celebrates its 160th year in 2023, it’s brilliant for us to be bringing more of its secrets to Yesterday’s viewers in a third series. I thought I knew the Tube pretty well but can’t wait myself to see Siddy and Tim unlock the door on more unexplored locations and delve into the Museum’s archives to reveal more stories from the London’s unique history.”
Secrets of the London Underground is in production now and will join The Architecture The Railways Built, Hornby: A Model World, Bangers & Cash and spin-off sister show, Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics as original shows returning to the Yesterday channel for a new series in 2023, alongside the brand new, Classic Car Garage. All episodes will also be available to stream for free on UKTV Play.
Photo credit: UKTV
