Michael Sheen fronting explosive new BBC series digging into South Wales chemical contamination claims
The two‑part series, Buried (working title), will see the Hollywood star return to the communities where he grew up as he tries to uncover the truth behind long‑standing allegations of “forever chemicals” buried near farms and homes.
For Sheen, this isn’t just another documentary. It’s personal. Almost ten years ago he met researcher and whistleblower Douglas Gowan, who warned that dangerous chemicals had been dumped in the area and could pose a long‑term threat to public health. Gowan died before his warnings were taken seriously — and Sheen now wants to know whether he was right.
Michael Sheen said:
This is a story that has troubled Wales for decades, and for me, it’s deeply personal. In this series, we try to uncover the truth about what is beneath our feet, hear from the communities affected, and understand how something so insidious could stay buried for so long.
The series builds on the award‑winning BBC Sounds podcast Buried: The Last Witness, which first exposed the scale of the allegations. Now, cameras follow Sheen as he meets families who say they’ve lived with the consequences, councillors who’ve raised concerns, and scientists and journalists who’ve spent years trying to piece together the region’s toxic past.
The BBC says the investigation is packed with claims of conspiracy, complicity and denial — and asks how a secret of this scale could have remained hidden for so long.
Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Specialist Factual, said:
All across the UK, we’re only just coming to terms with the possible impact of ‘forever chemicals’. As soon as I heard that Michael was so personally invested in the story, I knew this was a unique opportunity to create a series that will get people talking.
BBC Cymru Wales says the programme will shock audiences both inside and outside Wales.
Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, said:
This is a hugely important series anchored by Michael and his extraordinary connection to the story. It’s an investigation that will surprise many.
The two‑hour series is being co‑produced by Wall to Wall and Smoke Trail Productions, the team behind the original podcast. It will air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.
A release date has not yet been confirmed, but the BBC says the series is in production and will be broadcast later this year.
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Ammanford’s Owain Wyn Evans recovering after emergency surgery
The 41‑year‑old broadcaster, who grew up in Ammanford, shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo taken at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff. He explained that “dodgy polyps” had been found in his gallbladder and praised NHS staff for their care.
‘Our NHS is amazing’
In his post, the former BBC Wales weatherman and Homes Under the Hammer presenter wrote:
“Our NHS is amazing ❤️ Turns out I had some dodgy polyps in the old gallbladder, so out it came. All fine now. I can’t thank the incredible staff at West Ward 6 and surgical team at Llandough Hospital enough.
I’m off work for a bit recovering – being cared for by Nurse Franny and Dr Arran (who despite not being a medical doctor is doing a good job).
We’re lucky to have the NHS, it’s helped my family so much over the years with ongoing cancer care for my father and MS for my mother, as well as quite literally saving Arran’s life when he was a child. Thank goodness we have it xx”
Owain Wyn Evans pictured in his hospital room at Llandough Hospital, wearing a dressing gown while recovering from emergency gallbladder surgery.Messages of support
The announcement prompted a wave of supportive messages from colleagues and celebrities.
Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox joked: “Only you could rock a hospital gown off one shoulder, asymmetrical is huge this autumn xxx sending you love for a speedy recovery x.”
Zoe Ball added: “Heal well darling chap x,” while sports presenter Gaby Logan wrote: “Send you love and a speedy recovery x.”
Other well‑wishers included Russell T Davies, Dr Ranj, Gethin Jones, Lucy Owen, Dianne Buswell, Gaby Roslin, Angela Griffin, and Pixie Lott.
Owain Wyn Evans with his husband Arran in a photo taken earlier this year by the water’s edge.From Ammanford to Radio 2
Owain first found national fame during lockdown when a video of him drumming to the BBC News theme tune went viral. He went on to raise £2 million for Children in Need with a 24‑hour drumathon.
In 2022, he joined BBC Radio 2’s early morning line‑up, broadcasting live from Cardiff. Reflecting on his career, he recalled asking his parents for DJ equipment from a Llanelli shop as a teenager, never imagining he would one day host his own national radio show.
Today, he remains one of Wales’ most recognisable broadcasting voices, with roots firmly in the Carmarthenshire town of Ammanford.
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#Ammanford #BBCRadio2 #BBCWales #celebrity #drummer #gallbladder #HomesUnderTheHammer #LlandoughHospital #OwainWynEvans #polyps
Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs reunite for new BBC Wales comedy
Two of Wales’ best‑loved comedy actors are set to share the screen once again, with Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs teaming up to co‑write and star in a brand new series commissioned by BBC Wales and BBC Comedy.
The six‑part show, still untitled, centres on an unlikely friendship that begins in the waiting room of a knee trauma clinic. Clive, a 60‑year‑old retired teacher coming to terms with being widowed, meets Shelley‑Ann, a 55‑year‑old environmental officer in the middle of a messy divorce. What follows is a tender, funny exploration of how relationships can change — and begin — later in life.
Old friends back together
Jones, who grew up in Porthcawl and became a household name through Gavin & Stacey, said she was “so grateful” to the BBC for backing the project.
“I’ve known Steve for years and working with him is always a thrill,” she said. “I can’t wait to get started.”
Speirs, from Troedyrhiw near Merthyr Tydfil, is equally enthusiastic. “I’ve worked with Ruth for over 30 years,” he said. “It’s brilliant to be doing it again.”
BBC hails “something special”
The script has already impressed BBC bosses. Jon Petrie, the corporation’s Director of Comedy, said the team were “weak at the knees” when they first read it, while Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Wales, described it as “a total delight” to be working with the pair again.
The series will be produced by Cardiff‑based Tidy Productions and shown on BBC One, BBC Wales and iPlayer.
A strong Welsh connection
Both Jones and Speirs have long championed Welsh stories on screen. Earlier this year they returned to Porthcawl for a BBC Cymru Wales special celebrating Jones’ roots — covered here.
This latest project continues that tradition, bringing two familiar Welsh voices together to tell a story about resilience, humour and the unexpected friendships that can change lives.
#BBC #BBCOne #BBCWales #comedy #Porthcawl #RuthJones #SteveSpeirs #TidyProductions #Troedyrhiw
Ruth Jones returns to her Porthcawl roots with Steve Speirs for new BBC Cymru Wales special
Following the success of Ruth and Steve: From Merthyr with Love, the pair will reunite for a second nostalgic weekend in Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love.
This time, Jones will take her long‑time friend and fellow actor Speirs back to her hometown, exploring the seaside town where she grew up. The programme promises a mix of laughter, reflection and never‑before‑seen home movie footage, as the duo revisit the places and people that shaped Jones’ early life.
Ruth Jones said:
“Two of my favourite things in one place. Porthcawl and Steve Speirs… double bubble! I can’t wait to show my dear friend all the best bits of my hometown and the history of this beautiful seaside oasis, catching up with my family and school mates in the process.”
Steve Speirs added:
“My great friend is going to take me on a trip around her hometown of Porthcawl. I said, ‘It’s all about ice creams and donkey rides, isn’t it?’ Apparently I’m very wrong, and I can’t wait to be shown the Porthcawl Ruth knows… but I’m definitely buying an ice cream!”
From Porthcawl roots to national treasure
Born in Bridgend and raised in Porthcawl, Ruth Jones MBE has become one of Wales’ most celebrated performers and writers. She co‑created and starred as Nessa in the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, which won multiple BAFTAs and returned for a record‑breaking Christmas special in 2024.
She went on to create and lead the Sky One comedy‑drama Stella, and has appeared in acclaimed dramas including Little Dorrit and Fat Friends. Beyond television, Jones is also a bestselling novelist, with Never Greener, Us Three and Love Untold all reaching the Sunday Times charts.
Her contribution to Welsh culture has been recognised with an MBE for services to entertainment, a BAFTA Cymru Special Recognition Award, and the First Minister’s Special Award at the St David Awards. Earlier this year she also received a Special Recognition honour at the Pride of Wales event in Swansea.
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#BBCWales #Bridgend #FatFriends #FromPorthcawlWithLove #GavinStacey #MBE #Porthcawl #RuthJones #Stella #SteveSpeirs #tv
Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs explore Merthyr Tydfil’s rich history and vibrant community in a heartfelt BBC special. Discover iconic sites and personal stories. More at https://www.thesentinelcurrent.com/merthyr-tydfil-ruth-jones-adventure/
#MerthyrTydfil #RuthJones #BBCWales #CyfarthfaCastle #WelshHeritage
When people learn I'm from #Wales, they often assume I must love #gavinandstacey, and the answer is no I fucking don't. I have never found it funny, don't relate to the characters and #jamescorden is an arse.
On the other hand, I can totally relate to the characters in #thegoldencobra, showing on #bbcwales right now and available on #iplayer. Finally a Welsh based comedy that is actually funny.
I was on the penultimate edition of The Now Show and, in honour of the fact the show launched alongside Google back in '98, I rattled through some archive clips of how the BBC covered the earliest days of the internet.
And yes, I'm in one of them...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001y2xq
#bbc #bbc4 #bbcradio4 #comedy #radiocomedy #radio #thenowshow #podcast #podcasts #internet #internetarchive #90s #xennials #xennial #genx #wales #BBCWales #theshamen
Hora de #TootPause ¡Sed wena gente!
Totty Johnson
Editor
thesentinelcurrent
Steve Vaughan
Ed Bridges
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