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Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Walking With Dinosaurs returns with fight to the death after 25 years off screen
The BBC is bringing back the hit documentary show Walking With Dinosaurs, 25 years after the first series was shown on TV, as bosses promise a brand new look into their lives A fight to the death between a T-Rex and a Triceratops is one of the highlights of the Walking With Dinosaurs opener on Sunday. The new series, which comes 25 years after the original Walking with Dinosaurs, will introduce viewers to a wealth of new information that has come to light in the intervening years. And the fight showcases how the adult bull Triceratops - the only dinosaur that wouldn't have run from a Tyrannosaurus - had the power to create eye-like patterns on its frill, to intimidate opponents. Each of the six episodes has a lead character, brought to life using cutting edge CGI by specialist artists - with every single detail relating to genuine finds made by palaeontologists. The first episode stars a baby Triceratops, with viewers being shown the painstaking real-life process of the three-year old female's bones being dug out, with the experts nicknaming her Clover. Clover is then brought to life using story-telling to show how she might have lived and some of the scrapes she might have got into - including her own interactions with a T Rex and also an 11-metre long Spinosaurus, one of the rarest dinosaurs to have been excavated. The audience will see that while she might be the size of a large dog, Clover is more like a cat when it comes to having nine lives. BBC factual boss Jack Bootle said: 'We may not have Hollywood budgets but we do have science on our side.' Paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim said these were the most accurate dinosaurs to have been created on screen so far. 'In many ways we kind of live in a golden age of dinosaur discoveries right now,' he explained. 'We're finding more dinosaurs than ever before, but I think, most importantly, we're shedding light on aspects of dinosaur biology we never thought we'd be able to shed light onto. 'We can peer inside the brains of dinosaurs, we can try and figure out how good the vision of the T-Rex was. We can bounce lasers off the surface of dinosaur eggs to reconstruct their colour and we have soft tissue preservation; feathers, internal organs in some cases. So it's a really exciting time to be a paleontologist. We can do amazing things.' He said it had been important to link the science and the storytelling together. 'I think the CGI creatures are fantastic of course, but the fossils are also objects of incredible beauty. They have so many incredible stories to tell from the dig sites. Going out there and digging these creatures up, it's like the ultimate adventure.' And he added: 'These are the moments where we know that we are kind of rewriting the dinosaur paleontology textbooks. I was like, 'I want to make sure I get this 100% right. It needs to be perfect'.' Clover's actual death in episode one remains a mystery, which means she could perhaps have succumbed to disease or got stuck in quicksand because the experts know she wasn't predated by an aggressive dinosaur, or crushed by a bigger one. Later in the series there will be more exploration on screen of how some of the lead characters are killed. Executive producer Andrew Cohen said: 'We do have some of the most extraordinary sequences where we see how some of the dinosaurs came to their end, very much from the evidence that has been pulled out of the ground.' The show has been three years in the making. Executive producer Andrew Cohen said: 'We've talked for a very long time about when the right moment for bringing this back was, and I think we've always been looking for just a sweet spot, a moment where the science journalism can sort of come together and there's so much to say about dinosaurs that has transformed in the last 25 years.' Showrunner Kirsty Wilson admitted that making the series came with a huge amount of responsibility because so many kids - and their parents - were dinosaur mad. 'I mean it's pretty intimidating - because you sort of feel you have people's childhood in your hands a little bit. 'We've got to push the boundaries - the dig sites are featured and the original series didn't do that. So when people go, 'Well, how the hell do they know that?' we don't need to answer that question. Viewers can literally see the science themselves.' Six digs are featured, chosen following discussions with more than 200 paleontologist, in locations including Morocco, Portugal and North America. She said she wants viewers to be filled with awe but also to enjoy the drama. 'We wanted the very best from the dinosaur field, but we also wanted a really great dramatic storyline. I think it's fair to say I'm probably the fluffy one of the bunch - I wanted people to feel about these animals like I did. I wanted to fall in love with them. So having a great story emerging from the science was really key.' Paleo artist Jay Balamurugan said that both science and artistic skill are required to fully bring the creatures to life. 'I think dinosaurs especially are the ultimate sort of gateway science,' she said. 'You just look at them and you want to know more.' She said that designing the dinosaurs was a fairly intensive process. 'Each of these animals took months and months to create. We dug into every paper, every academic publication and spoke to every paleontologist who had worked on the material. You really come up with a quite memorable but also scientifically solid set of characters. 'I get asked whether or not we are adding emotional expressions to these animals, but every single detail, every muscle movement, is underpinned by science. If they look cute, that is because they probably did look cute in real life.' Nizar said he was particularly excited about the giant spinosaurus, about which relatively little was known until recently. 'It is a dinosaur like no other,' he said. 'It's got this giant sail, a crocodile snout, the paddle tail. It's a water-loving dinosaur. It's an animal that is doing things that no other dinosaur is doing. 'There's only one Spinosaurus skull in the existence in the world, and so every new bone we uncover is a big surprise.' He believes that despite advances in genetic cloning there is no chance at present of a dinosaur ever being brought back to life. 'If I could resurrect the dinosaur, I would definitely have a pet one and pull it in here on the leash,' he laughed. 'But I think the answer is almost certainly no. We may be able to bring back some creatures from the not so distant past maybe, something like a mammoth or a woolly rhino, but with dinosaurs, the genetic material is just a not there in the state we need it to be.' Walking with Dinosaurs, BBC1, Sunday 25 May
Metro
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
How to watch David Attenborough's film Ocean as TV legend nears 99th birthday
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video As Sir David Attenborough turns 99, he's showing no signs of slowing down with his next movie about to come out. The beloved natural history TV presenter will return to the screen later this week with his new Disney+ feature documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough. The movie will address his most urgent message about the health of the world's oceans as he 'nears the end of his life', sharing a 'story of optimism' about recovering their former glory. Last week, he shared a sneak peek at the feature-length documentary with the well-known conservationist saying: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. 'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.' He describes the oceans as 'the greatest asset against climate change' before adding a stark warning. 'Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all. 'If we save the sea, we save our world. 'After a lifetime of filming our planet, I'm sure nothing is more important,' he said. Ocean with David Attenborough will be available to stream from Thursday, May 8 for those with a Disney+ subscription, which offers a seven-day free trial and then costs £4.99 per month for a standard plan with ads. For those hoping for the big screen experience, the movie will also be screening in cinemas across the UK to coincide with his 99th birthday. You can find dates and times near you here. In the US it will premiere on National Geographic on June 7 before streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. And that's not all, he also has a 'landmark' show already on the horizon. But his next project is already set to follow hot on its heels with a five-part documentary coming to the BBC this summer. The new nature series, Parenthood, will trace the 'extraordinary' lengths different species will go to ensure the survival of their children in the high-stakes wildlife world, per the Mirror. BBC specialist factual commissioning boss Jack Bootle told the publication: 'This is a wonderful, warm, engaging and surprising series, made by some of the very best wildlife filmmakers in the world, and I'm thrilled Sir David is joining us again to narrate it.' And comes from the creators of shows like Wild Isles, The Hunt and The Mating Game, Silverback Films, who have done a 'deep dive' over the course of two and a half years. Series producer and director, Jeff Wilson, added that the show is 'the ultimate celebration of the joys and challenges of raising offspring in the natural world.' He also promised that the 'landmark series has something for everyone' including 'moments of heart-warming tenderness, high stakes narrative, and a timely guide from a huge cast of unbelievably engaging cast of characters on how to navigate the complex world of Parenthood.' Available on BBC iPlayer: Planet Earth trilogy Blue Planet I and II Frozen Planet I and II Africa Asia Life (of Birds, on Earth) Zoo Quest in Colour Dynasties I and II The full collection can be found here. Available on Netflix: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Secret Lives of Orangutans Life in Colour Our Planet I and II Available on Disney+: Secrets of Wild India Ocean with David Attenborough (from May 8) The show does a sweep of the vast wildlife that inhabits our planet, from adopted lion cubs to hunting blue whales to hippos surviving a brutal night. There are elephants, cardinalfish, orangutans and plenty more species for audiences to discover – need we go on? He has been a staple of the screen for seven decades, hosting his first ever show called Zoo Quest in the 1950s and going on to create iconic franchises like Blue Planet and Life on Earth. Although the Planet Earth host no longer travels around the globe with his new documentaries, he is showing no signs of ending his stalwart narration. In 2023, Planet Earth III producer Mike Gunton told The Independent: 'Working with him in his nineties is not that hard, because he can do almost anything.' In 2018, he even outlined why retirement isn't on the cards for him if he can help it. 'I do dread not working, although there are things I can do without running up steps six times – books to be written, things I never got round to,' he said. And then added to Radio Times: 'If I think I'm not producing commentary with any freshness, or which is apposite or to the point, I hope I would be able to recognise it before someone else told me.' And has previously said he 'sees no reason why I can't live past 100'. More Trending There are hopes he will narrate Blue Planet III, which is tipped to come out in 2026 after his centenary celebrations. 'As long as David wishes to continue doing narrations, we are of course delighted to have his brilliant contributions,' a source told i paper about his ongoing contributions. Ocean with David Attenborough comes out on May 8. Parenthood will air this summer. View More » This article first came out on May 5, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Stacey Solomon is 'regretting tell-all TV show with husband Joe Swash' MORE: Doctor Who's moral lectures are becoming harder to justify MORE: Exciting news David Attenborough fans – his next TV series is 'weeks away'
Metro
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Exciting news David Attenborough fans - his next TV series is 'weeks away'
As Sir David Attenborough turns 99, he's showing no signs of slowing down with his next 'landmark' show already on the horizon. The beloved natural history TV presenter has already confirmed his return to the screen later this week with his new Disney+ feature documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough. The movie will address his most urgent message about the health of the world's oceans as he 'nears the end of his life', sharing a 'story of optimism' about recovering their former glory. But his next project is already set to follow hot on its heels with a five-part documentary coming to the BBC this summer. The new nature series, Parenthood, will trace the 'extraordinary' lengths different species will go to ensure the survival of their children in the high-stakes wildlife world, per the Mirror. BBC specialist factual commissioning boss Jack Bootle told the publication: 'This is a wonderful, warm, engaging and surprising series, made by some of the very best wildlife filmmakers in the world, and I'm thrilled Sir David is joining us again to narrate it.' And comes from the creators of shows like Wild Isles, The Hunt and The Mating Game, Silverback Films, who have done a 'deep dive' over the course of two and a half years. Series producer and director, Jeff Wilson, added that the show is 'the ultimate celebration of the joys and challenges of raising offspring in the natural world.' He also promised that the 'landmark series has something for everyone' including 'moments of heart-warming tenderness, high stakes narrative , and a timely guide from a huge cast of unbelievably engaging cast of characters on how to navigate the complex world of Parenthood.' The show does a sweep of the vast wildlife that inhabits our planet, from adopted lion cubs to hunting blue whales to hippos surviving a brutal night. There are elephants, cardinalfish, orangutans and plenty more species for audiences to discover – need we go on? Available on BBC iPlayer: Planet Earth trilogy, Blue Planet I and II, Frozen Planet 1 and II, Africa, Asia, Life (of Birds, on Earth), Zoo Quest in Colour, Dynasties I and II. The full collection can be found here. Available on Netflix: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet; Secret Lives of Orangutans; Life in Colour; Our Planet I and II. Available on Disney+: Secrets of Wild India; Ocean with David Attenborough (from May 8) Last week he shared a sneak peek at his upcoming Ocean documentary, the well-known conservationist said: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. 'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.' He has been a staple of the screen for seven decades, hosting his first ever show called Zoo Quest in the 1950s and going onto create iconic franchises like Blue Planet and LIfe on Earth. Although the Planet Earth host no longer travels around the globe with his new documentaries, he is showing no signs of ending his stalwart narration. In 2023, Planet Earth III producer Mike Gunton told The Independent: 'Working with him in his nineties is not that hard, because he can do almost anything.' In 2018, he even outlined why retirement isn't on the cards for him if he can help it. 'I do dread not working, although there are things I can do without running up steps six times – books to be written, things I never got round to,' he said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And then added to Radio Times: 'If I think I'm not producing commentary with any freshness, or which is apposite or to the point, I hope I would be able to recognise it before someone else told me.' More Trending And has previously said he 'sees no reason why I can't live past 100'. There are hopes he will narrate Blue Planet III, which is tipped to come out in 2026 after his centenary celebrations. 'As long as David wishes to continue doing narrations, we are of course delighted to have his brilliant contributions,' a source told i paper about his ongoing contributions. View More » Ocean with David Attenborough comes out on May 8. Parenthood will air this summer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bridget Jones author claims she was repeatedly groped while working at BBC MORE: Disgraced BBC star Huw Edwards 'refuses requests to return £200,000 he was paid after arrest' MORE: BBC viewers comparing new Doctor Who episode to 'worst ever'
