The BBC is marking Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday on Friday 8 May with a week-long celebration of his work and legacy, featuring new shows alongside landmark series.
One highlight is 'Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure', which goes behind the scenes of the groundbreaking 1979 series that took three years to film across 40 countries. The crew faced challenges including a coup in the Comoros, being shot at in Rwanda, and threats from Saddam Hussein’s army in Iraq. The series was watched by 500 million people worldwide.
Another new programme, 'Secret Garden', explores wildlife in British backyards across five episodes set in different gardens. It reveals how species like pine martens, dormice, swallows, otters, and blue tits live alongside humans, and how gardeners can help struggling species.
On his birthday, a 90-minute special, 'David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth', airs at 8.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer from the Royal Albert Hall. Presented by Kirsty Young, it features live music from the BBC Concert Orchestra, iconic wildlife moments, and reflections from figures including Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall, Chris Packham, and Michael Palin.
