BBC Daytime co-commissions second Hothouse series with Northern Ireland and announces series return
Date Posted: November 14, 2024
Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak commissioning has today announced at the Belfast Media Festival that he has co-commissioned Farm 999 (w/t). This new BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland co-commission will tell gripping first-hand stories involving the emergency services and rural communities across the UK .
Farming can be one of the most dangerous professions in the UK. Farm 999 will follow the Police, Fire and Ambulance services as they attend emergency situations in rural communities. The 15-part series, made by Belfast-based Stellify Media, will bring audiences into the heart of these emergency settings with accounts from first responders, community members and the farmers at the centre of these emergencies.
Also confirmed today is the return of The Finish Line for a third series (30×45) and will return to Belfast in early 2025 to begin filming. The third instalment of the quiz show, which sees Roman Kemp putting contestants through their paces in a race format, accompanied by Sarah Greene, is due to air next year.
The Finish Line is commissioned for BBC One and BBC iPlayer by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime is Alex McLeod. The Finish Line is produced with funding from Northern Ireland Screen by Potato, in partnership with Nice One Productions. The series is executive produced by Potato’s Martin Scott and Nice One’s Chris Jones.
Rob Unsworth comments, “Northern Ireland has a rich pool of independent production companies that are producing big ideas across multiple genres. I’m always excited by the vibrancy and dynamism here, and am thrilled that – as well as the commissions announced today – companies based here are currently making for us a fantastically strong mix of returning shows that viewers really love.
“We’re delighted to add to that mix Stellify’s Farm 999, our second co-commission from BBC Northern Ireland’s Hothouse scheme, and to welcome back for a third series The Finish Line, which has quickly – and deservedly – become a favourite with quiz fans.
“The BBC’s commitment to commission outside of London and showcase stories from across the UK is now more important than ever, and Daytime is punching above its weight in telling these stories. For 24/25 we’re already forecasting above our target for Northern Ireland commissions, as well as totalling nearly 85% commissions from across the UK.
“With further commissions from Belfast-based suppliers set to be announced shortly, we’re looking forward to working with even more Northern Irish companies in the months ahead.”
Farm 999 is commissioned for BBC Daytime by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning and for BBC Northern Ireland by Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime is Muslim Alim and the Commissioning Executive for BBC Northern Ireland is Justin Binding. Farm 999 is produced by Stelify Media with support from Northern Ireland Screen and Fifth Season. The series is executive produced for Stellify Media by Tracie O’Neill and series produced/directed by Richard Weller.
