EditorMichael 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.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Review: Our Town – Swansea Grand Theatre
Michael Sheen’s return to the Swansea stage in a powerful new production.
Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre opens with powerful debut
The launch of Sheen’s new national theatre project and its bold first production.
Swansea’s ‘secret traitor’ revealed as real‑life lifesaver
A gripping real‑life investigation uncovering hidden stories in Welsh communities.
Martin Clunes to play disgraced Llanelli newsreader Huw Edwards
A major new TV drama exploring another high‑profile Welsh media story.
MárciaW 🇸🇩
Jérôme Santolini