The latest series of Antiques Roadshow has come to an end on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and its Sunday evening slot has now been filled by the nature documentary Blue Planet III.
The 49th series of the programme had been airing every Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with Fiona Bruce returning to host as experts appraised antiques and collectables brought in by members of the public.
Locations and Highlights of the Final Series
Over the course of the series, the roadshow visited locations including the Dartington Estate in Devon, Caerphilly Castle, and the Souter Lighthouse in Tyne and Wear. Among the items that delighted experts were Indiana Jones props, a Beatrix Potter collectable, and a vinyl single by Led Zeppelin.
The series ended last week, and Blue Planet III began on Sunday, November 1 at 8pm on BBC One.
What to Expect from Blue Planet III
Narrated by David Attenborough, Blue Planet III journeys from the tropics to the deep, revealing animals more remarkable and sophisticated than previously realised. The third instalment builds on the legacy of the previous two series, redefining the realm of possibility in underwater wildlife film-making.
The official synopsis states: "It will reveal brand new and untold stories from magical underwater worlds. Combining our deeper understanding of the oceans with a whole new generation of camera technology, including splash drones, long-term remote underwater cameras and a 'mini dome', we can now showcase stunning stories and extraordinary behaviours, previously impossible to film or only recently discovered."
The synopsis adds: "Where Blue Planet II exposed the threats to our oceans, Blue Planet III will also explore stories of adaptation and resilience in this changing world, along with stories of hope and recovery. The series will focus on the planet's five key underwater habitats: Tropical Seas, Open Ocean, Seasonal Seas, Polar Waters and The Deep."
Music and Viewer Reaction
The first episode explores the Tropical Seas, where a tawny nurse shark is seen patrolling the shallows at the northern tip of Australia, while coral reefs see predators and prey in constant battle.
BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter JADE and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer have collaborated on the original song Into The Deep (Seas Cry) for the launch of Blue Planet III. Written by JADE, Zimmer and Thom Lukas of the Bleeding Fingers Music team, the track marks the return of the series 25 years after the original The Blue Planet.
Viewers have shared their excitement ahead of the new series. One person wrote on X: "Can't wait, love this." Another added: "Blue Planet II showed many of us deep-sea life we'd never seen before, and its final episode got people talking about plastic in the ocean long after the credits. Curious how much deeper Blue Planet III can go." A third said: "Blue Planet II showed us a whole hidden world down there. Can't wait for Blue Planet III."
Antiques Roadshow and Blue Planet III are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
