Latest news with #BBCCymruWales
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Iolo Williams reveals he has encountered a career first
Iolo Williams reveals he has encountered a career first The Springwatch presenter has opened up about the 'career highlight' he experienced when filming his new series Iolo Williams is hosting a new series called Iolo's River Valleys (Image: BBC ) TV star Iolo Williams has revealed a career first as his new BBC series begins. Iolo is back on our screens for a new four-part series called Iolo's River Valleys which follows him as he explores the hidden stories and natural wonders of four river valleys across Wales. In the series he'll be uncovering the incredible wildlife of the Rheidol Valley, the Dyfi Valley, the Conwy Valley and the Vale of Clwyd. Throughout the episodes, Iolo will be met with sightings of rare birds and elusive mammals. He even encounters a career first on his journey. Ahead of the series' release, Iolo said that the biggest moment of the series was when he saw his "first ever wild beaver in Wales". "This was a real highlight, not just of the series, but of my 27 years working within TV. A real highlight," Iolo said. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter "I wasn't actually expecting to see one. The researchers had done their work and they'd said there were rumours to be wild beaver, and I knew myself that there were rumours of wild beavers in one or two locations as well. "We went out and we had a look one evening, and the weather wasn't great, we didn't see anything. But then we went out again when the rain had cleared up and sure enough there it was, this beaver, eating Japanese knotweed of all things. Article continues below "I'll be honest, nobody knows where the beaver has come from, they've been there for about two years, possibly three and it's quite well known locally. But I'm absolutely delighted because this is an animal that we should have back in the wild." Iolo said that spotting the beaver "topped everything" that happened in the series. He added that he also "achieved a childhood ambition" by seeing a pine martin in daylight. Iolo's River Valleys is a four-part BBC Cymru Wales series, produced by Aden. The series was produced and directed by Osian Griffiths and the executive producer is John Gwyn. Speaking ahead of its release, he said: "For the first time we're following four different rivers. We usually confine the series to specific areas but this time we took four different rivers and follow the river valleys from sea to source. I thought I knew Wales quite well, but one or two of these river valleys I hadn't explored for a very long time. "People moan that it rains a lot in Wales, but it's because of that rain that we have such stunning river valleys, streams and waterfalls. Article continues below "Each and every one of them has a different character and each and every one of them is beautiful from source down to sea." Watch Iolo's River Valleys on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer from Tuesday 6 May
North Wales Live
07-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Iolo Williams in furious rant at 'idiot' jet ski riders for seabird incident on North Wales coast
TV star Iolo Williams has slammed jet ski riders after witnessing two 'idiots' blasting through rafting seabirds near a North Wales nature reserve. The wildlife presenter hit out on the eve of his new BBC series exploring the natural wonders of four river valleys across Wales. Iolo was at the RSPB South Stack bird colony near Holyhead, Anglesey, when he said he spotted two people – a man and a woman - on a jet ski hurtling towards cliff nesting sites. Sharing a video clip of the jet ski idling near the cliffs, he vented his frustration at what he saw on Thursday, May 1. Writing online, he said: 'Jet-skiers must be held accountable (and fined heavily) for their actions. These two idiots put hundreds of incubating auks off their nests at RSPB South Stack on Thursday. FFS!!! 'They came in at speed, forcing hundreds of birds of [sic] the nesting cliffs. I was guiding so couldn't get my phone out in time. This was the second incident we witnessed in less than an hour. Jet skis should be banned in sensitive areas.' The North Wales jet ski community immediately launched an internal search to identify the riders via social media. They argued Iolo's video was not conclusive evidence of harm but the community is anxious to pinpoint any breaches of the Marine Code. This promotes responsible behaviour in marine environments. Four years ago, Anglesey Council cited its own Marine Code following a similar incident at South Stack. On that occasion, four jet skis were photographed ploughing through floating birds, fuelling concerns of a rise in their use near wildlife-sensitive areas. After the latest incident, witnesses backed up Iolo's observations. Writing online, a woman said: 'Took off at a speed right through rafts of birds on the sea. Disgusting behaviour. They ignored all attempts to get their attention even though they clearly heard Iolo whistling and shouting at them.' A naturalist with Iolo agreed: 'They came in at speed, went through a raft of birds, thousands of birds left their nests (allowing predation). Then we manged to start filming. 'This is a nature reserve of declining populations of birds, hugely significant area for some. We were stood with a retired wildlife crime officer and his immediate response was they'd just contravened section 1 of the Countryside and Wildlife act 1981.' Bird lovers have called for exclusion around sensitive wildlife sites, with penalties including heavy fines and confiscation of powered vessels. Already, jet skis must be council-registered and display datatag stickers clearly identifying individual craft. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Exploring the river valleys of Wales Iolo posted about the incident a day before the launch of his new BBC Cymru Wales series. Iolo's River Valleys, which began last night (Tuesday, May 6), explores the hidden wonders of the Rheidol, Dyfi, Conwy and Vale of Clwyd Valleys. The four-part series was filmed after Iolo recovered from a heart attack while out on a run two years ago. He encountered rare birds and elusive mammals, from the UK's smallest bird of prey, a merlin, to a rare glimpse of an animal at one point believed extinct, the pine marten. And for the first time in years, beavers were spotted in the Dyfi Valley, giving Iolo an unforgettable encounter with his first wild beaver in Wales. Other wildlife highlights included a whimbrel, a migrant bird, spotted opposite Conwy Castle. From there, Iolo followed an ancient Roman road within Eryri National Park, pausing to visit a historic burial chamber where the melodic song of a redstart – a stunning migrant from Africa - echoed from the trees. Some of Wales' finest woodlands were also explored in the Conwy Valley, from Coed Dolgarrog to Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed. Iolo also visited farmland around Ysbyty Ifan that's among the last strongholds in Wales for breeding curlews, before finishing on the vast Migneint moor to watch a hunting hen harrier. In the final episode, Iolo visits the Vale of Clwyd – of the four valleys, it's an area he knows least about. His journey begins on the coast at a nature reserve between Kinmel Bay and Rhyl. Inland at Rhuddlan, Iolo examines the River Clwyd, modified in the 13th century to supply Rhuddlan Castle. On the slopes below Moel Arthur, an Iron Age hillfort, Iolo hears the call of a cuckoo, and at Moel Famau, he meets an unusually tame raven. From Eyarth Rocks Nature Reserve, his journey concludes at Clocaenog Forest, where Iolo searches for one of the few remaining red squirrels in the area. He said: 'On the Clwyd, adjacent to Rhyl where it runs into the sea, there's a little reserve there, it's a small dune area, and I thought there's going to be nothing here but we had basking lizards, common lizards, there. And Skylarks, flying up above, which was amazing when we were surrounded by houses and factories and busy roads. That was lovely.'
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Iolo Williams reveals career highlight in new BBC series
Iolo Williams from near Newtown has revealed his career highlight in a new river valley series. The well-known wildlife presenter and naturalist is exploring four river valleys across Wales in the new series. He will be travelling from sea to source, uncovering the hidden stories and natural wonders of the Rheidol Valley, the Dyfi Valley, the Conwy Valley, and the Vale of Clwyd. Throughout the series, Iolo is met with sightings of rare birds and elusive mammals, including the UK's smallest bird of prey, a merlin, and a rare glimpse of a pine marten. However, his most significant encounter is with a wild beaver in the Dyfi Valley, which he describes as his career highlight. Iolo said: "The real big moment was when I saw my first ever wild beaver in Wales. "This was a real highlight, not just of the series, but of my 27 years working within TV. "I'll be honest, nobody knows where the beaver has come from, they've been there for about two years, possibly three and it's quite well known locally. "But I'm absolutely delighted because this is an animal that we should have back in the wild." His new series, Iolo's River Valleys, is a four-part BBC Cymru Wales production, which started on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and iPlayer on Tuesday, May 6. The series was produced and directed by Osian Griffiths, with John Gwyn as the executive producer. Iolo also expressed his fascination with the river valleys of Wales, stating: "People moan that it rains a lot in Wales, but it's because of that rain that we have such stunning river valleys, streams and waterfalls. "Each and every one of them has a different character and each and every one of them is beautiful from source down to sea." He also shared his excitement about seeing a pine marten in daylight, another significant moment in his wildlife watching career. He said: "Such a beautiful animal. "I've seen one before in Wales but only at night, so to be sat in the hide in daylight just watching a pine marten is enthralling. "It's one of the highlights of my wildlife watching career, and I've been watching wildlife for 55 years. "I've achieved a childhood ambition."
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones to make TV return on BBC special about Welsh town
Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones is set to make her TV return later this year on a BBC special about the South Wales town of Merthyr Tydfil. The last ever episode of hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey aired on Christmas Day last year and was watched by a whopping 19.1 million viewers. The 90-minute finale - which starred all the regulars including Jones (Nessa), James Corden (Smithy), Mathew Horne (Gavin) and Joanna Page (Stacey) - was the most watched TV programme on Christmas Day in 23 years. To coincide with the bicentenary of Cyfarthfa Castle, BBC Cymru Wales has commissioned a collection of programmes and content celebrating the history, the culture and people of Merthyr Tydfil. Across a fortnight in June, the BBC will shine a spotlight on Merthyr's rich past, exploring how it developed as the first industrial town in the world and the legacy of this important chapter in Wales' history. The collection will also celebrate the town as it is today, challenging stereotypes and highlighting what makes Merthyr such a special place to those who are proud to call it home. Four new programmes have been commissioned for BBC One Wales, including a standalone special where Welsh icon Ruth Jones hits the road with actor, comedian and Merthyr local, Steve Speirs for a weekend like no other. The 60-minutes special will be called Ruth and Steve: from Merthyr with Love. 🔊Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs reunite for a one-off special celebrating Merthyr Tydfil! Part of a brand new @BBCWales collection marking 200 years of Cyfarthfa Castle🏴 More from Merthyr➡️ — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 8, 2025 Speaking about the filming the programme, Jones said: 'Merthyr Tydfil! Who knew?! "I had the best time learning about this brilliant place and being shown around by my dear friend Steve Speirs. I'm definitely going back!' Speirs added: 'To take someone who's very special to me to the place that's most special to me was one of the happiest filming experiences of my life. "We laughed so much, we talked so much… and we nearly cried quite a few times. "Our Merthyr trip was brilliantly memorable for both of us. If the joy of the weekend comes over half as much on the telly box as it was in reality… then I'll be very pleased." An exact date as to when Ruth and Steve: from Merthyr with Love is yet to be revealed by the BBC. (Image: BBC) An exact date as to when the show will air is yet to be announced by the broadcaster. There will be several other shows, documentaries and radio broadcasts set for release in 2025 that are all part of celebrating Merthyr Tydfil. These include: Boom Town: How Merthyr Made the World - presented by Steffan Powell Live From Merthyr Tydfil - hosted by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop Merthyr Made Me - presented by Jonny Owen Hidden Merthyr - presented by Welsh actor Richard Harrington When Hoover Sneezed Band Cyfarthfa - presented by Welsh music commentator Geraint Lewis Hawl i Holi RECOMMENDED READING: James Corden and Ruth Jones announce next project after Gavin & Stacey finale Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones to star in new Harlan Coben Netflix series Run Away James Corden reveals why Gavin and Stacey 'can't carry on' after finale BBC investigating error code stopping viewers from watching iPlayer Director of BBC Cymru Wales, Rhuanedd Richards, said: 'I'm so proud that this season will spark curiosity about the past and the future of Merthyr Tydfil, drawing audiences to this special town. "This big collective BBC Wales moment is an opportunity for us to celebrate Merthyr's character, soul, community and culture, as well as the contribution this particular area has made in building modern Wales and the wider world. "We're really excited to launch this range of content on offer this summer.'
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BBC secures live TV rights to Wales men's football matches
The BBC has secured live television rights to Wales men's international football matches. The broadcaster, in a deal with UEFA, will screen 13 games live, starting on March 22 against Kazakhstan, including all World Cup qualifiers. This comes as the team prepares for its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Rhuanedd Richards, BBC Cymru Wales director, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we've signed a deal to bring the action from Wales' matches to our screens. "Craig Bellamy and the Cymru squad are about to start a brand new campaign and I'm so pleased that BBC Cymru Wales will be with them all the way, bringing international football to fans across the nation." This move complements BBC Wales' existing coverage of the women's international team. Noel Mooney, Football Association of Wales CEO, said: "As we approach an exciting World Cup qualification campaign with Craig Bellamy at the helm, the Football Association of Wales is looking forward to working with BBC Cymru Wales, on their free-to-air coverage of the Cymru Men's National Team. "It's fantastic that every Welsh fan will be able to watch our matches for free via the BBC's fantastic coverage."
