Channel 5 has commissioned a six-part factual series, Norfolk & Suffolk, capturing the people, the stories and the beauty of England’s most Eastern counties.
Kate Ansell, Channel 5 and Paramount+ Commissioning Editor:
“The beautiful landscape of the Norfolk and Suffolk region makes this series a real feast for the eyes. Exploring these beautiful counties through the people who know them best, locals with fascinating stories to tell, the series sets to uncover the hidden treasures found across the length and breadth of this south-eastern part of the UK.”
The series, narrated by Bill Nighy, discovers the counties known as the breadbasket of Britain, exploring the famous wild coastlines, deep and green forests and rich heritage dating back over hundreds of years. The series journeys deep into Norfolk & Suffolk to meet the locals living under counties’ big sky and working across the region’s diverse industries. From the people harvesting the rich arable farmland to traditional town traders and the individuals catering from an influx of sun-worshipping tourists, we hear their eclectic stories of life in the East of England, set against the stunning landscape of some of the nation’s best beaches to the historic architectural background of windmills and ancient Roman forts.
Heading out into the North Sea at the crack of dawn, the series follows Richard, the entertaining crab boat skipper and restauranteur hauling up Norfolk’s bounty to feed 100 hungry wedding guests later that evening. Inland we meet the legendary and vocal trader Coxy the Vegman, plying his trade in the ancient Saxon town of Sudbury. Heading down the Suffolk coast, we cross the River Blythe with Dani, the expert ferry captain continuing a tradition that has lasted for over 700 years. And we meet Keith, an impressive boatsman with cerebral palsy, who has been racing an adapted dingy on the Norfolk Broads for the last ten years.
The series is the latest commission for BriteSpark, following the series commissions of Motorway Hotel and Scams: Don’t Get Caught Out, both for Channel 5.
BriteSpark East MD Tom Porter:
“This entertaining and escapist series charts everyday life in one of the UK’s most under-explored counties, meeting a diverse range of local characters, uncovering the region’s secrets and discovering the county’s ancient landmarks and hidden gems. Set against the glorious backdrop of natural farmland, wild coastlines and world-renowned beaches, the series promises a visually stunning treat for viewers.”
