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Prepare to cry over newborn gorilla in David Attenborough's new BBC series

Prepare to cry over newborn gorilla in David Attenborough's new BBC series

Metro7 days ago
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As the old saying goes that nothing is certain in life but death and taxes, I think it's fair to add that Sir David Attenborough narrating a heartfelt moment between a gorilla and her newborn baby is sure to bring a tear to your eye.
Our favourite natural historian is back again on our screens as a new five-part BBC series called Parenthood is set to come out next month.
The 99-year-old has continued to delight fans in the UK and across the world with his fascination for the weird and wonderful.
This latest docu-series will explore the trials and tribulations of parenting within the animal kingdom.
It will also highlight how it can be a 'high-stakes game in which some animal parents must come up with extraordinary strategies to give their young a head start'.
Filmed over three years and across six continents, and narrated by Sir David, fans have been offered a sneak peek at the series.
The clip, which shows a female western lowland gorilla and her newborn baby, is adorable from start to finish.
Just moments old, the baby sleeps on his mother's chest surrounded by plants and trees in the jungle.
Narrating, David says: 'Her journey will be challenging, full of excitement, uncertainty and complete commitment.
'There will be mistakes. There always are. But success for her and indeed for all parents has perhaps the greatest of consequences. It ensures the future of life on our planet'.
Parenthood is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, beginning on August 3 at 7.20pm.
It promises to show viewers never-before-seen animal behaviours while delivering a 'universal message about preserving the natural world.'
Speaking to The Mirror, BBC head of specialist factual commissioning, Jack Bootle, described Parenthood as 'wonderful, warm, engaging, and surprising'.
He said that it is 'made by some of the very best wildlife filmmakers in the world,' adding: 'I'm thrilled Sir David is joining us again to narrate it.'
Director Jeff Wilson added that the whole team is 'incredibly proud' that Sir David was involved in the series.
'Silverback Films did a deep dive into the subject over 2.5 years, uncovering extraordinary new behaviours and jaw-dropping dramas using the world's best wildlife cinematographers and directors,' he explained/
'We are incredibly proud that Sir David was on board with us to bring to the screen a landmark series that has something for everyone – 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.' More Trending
This comes after David's latest documentary, Ocean, coincided with the broadcaster and biologist's 99th birthday.
The Blue Planet creator explored 'the untold story of the ocean', and how we can make a huge difference in its preservation.
Speaking about the series to Metro, Planet Earth III executive producer Mike Gunton hailed the 'unbridled curiosity' that the documentary exhibits, adding that 'he's still absorbing science, absorbing knowledge'.
View More »
Parenthood begins on August 3 at 7.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74
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Tributes paid to 'legend' James Whale after death aged 74

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From Emily in Friends to Che Diaz: the TV characters so bad that they ruined shows
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From Emily in Friends to Che Diaz: the TV characters so bad that they ruined shows

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Barry McIlheney was joyously rock ‘n' roll, memorial service told
Barry McIlheney was joyously rock ‘n' roll, memorial service told

Western Telegraph

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  • Western Telegraph

Barry McIlheney was joyously rock ‘n' roll, memorial service told

The service at St Mark's in Dundela, Belfast, allowed former friends and colleagues to gather and celebrate the life of the journalist, broadcaster and publisher, who also launched Heat magazine. Mr McIlheney, originally from Belfast, died in May at the age of 65. Among those paying tribute at the service on Monday was Mike Edgar, formerly a BBC producer, who said Mr McIlheney had been a 'very special man'. Mourners leave St Mark's Church in east Belfast after the memorial service for former Smash Hits and Empire magazine editor Barry McIlheney (Liam McBurney/PA) He said: 'Barry had an unstoppable passion for music and everyone you could think of in the world of music had respect for him, and rightly so. 'Without Barry I would never have encountered the crazy worlds of Vince Power or The Pogues. 'They all loved him.' Mike Edgar (right) leaves St Mark's Church after reading a eulogy at the memorial service for former magazine editor Barry McIlheney (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: 'Barry was a true journalist, someone who exuded confidence at the right time and never missed a good opportunity if it presented itself. 'On one occasion he was live on the radio with me doing a report from a phone box on Carnaby Street in London and as ever feeding in the 10 pence pieces and entertaining us royally. 'Whilst chatting live on-air, Barry looks out the phone box window and spots Depeche Mode walking down Carnaby Street. 'As quick as anything Baz kicks the door of the phone box open and shouts: 'Hey lads, come and talk to the good people of Northern Ireland on the radio!' – which unbelievably, they dutifully did. 'There then followed a Guinness Book of Records-style moment with three members of Depeche Mode and Barry stuffed into a phone box for what turned into a great moment of showbiz madness 'Only Barry McIlheney would have the brass neck to carry off same!' Mr Edgar said McIlheney, despite his success, had always remained passionate about Belfast. He said: 'Like his contemporaries David Hepworth, Mark Ellen or Niall Stokes, Barry might have worn a suit on occasion but no one could ever call him 'a suit'! 'Barry was a leader, but he was also joyously rock 'n' roll and punk rock.' He added: 'He was well read, brave in his work, always curious, never boring, always kind and always impressive. 'Barry was larger than life, he always greeted us with a smile on his face, wearing his big coat with an upturned collar, a cheeky glint in his eye, a smart one-liner up his sleeve, and a well-earned loveable Belfast swagger.' Drummer Paul Burgess (centre) from the band Ruefrex, leaves St Mark's Church (Liam McBurney/PA) Delivering the homily at the service, Archbishop of Armagh Rev John McDowell said 'the good that Barry did will not be interred with his bones but will live on in your memories forever'. He said: 'Barry never forgot where he came from, but he didn't talk nonsense about it either. 'It wasn't everything and it wasn't nothing.'

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