BBC Develops North East Creative Cluster

The BBC has announced a new slate of commissions and talent initiatives in the North East, solidifying the region as one of its key Creative Clusters.

The newly commissioned projects span scripted drama, factual programming and digital innovation.

Among the new commissions is The Northumbria Mysteries, which is being produced by the Newcastle upon Tyne-based Lonesome Pine Productions. The drama centers on a jack-of-all-trades whose life has been shaped by mistakes and an intellectual, deep thinker. The two combine their talents to unravel a series of crime mysteries. Robson Green is attached to star.

The Northumbria Mysteries is now in preproduction, with filming set to begin in Northumberland this spring. The eight-parter will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

“We could not be happier to have Robson Green lead the cast and bring Joe Ruby to life, within the magnificent backdrop of Northumberland,” commented Lesley Douglas, executive producer and co-founder of Lonesome Pine Productions. “Working with the BBC to realize these characters has been a labor of love.”

Also commissioned from the North East is The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, which will be filmed at The Northern Studios in Hartlepool, as well as on location in Hartlepool and Sunderland. Based on Sue Townsend’s best-selling book of the same name, the ten-part series is being adapted for the BBC by David Nicholls (One Day, Us), with further episodes written by Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran (Raised By Wolves), Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor (Everyone Else Burns), and Jack Rooke (Big Boys).

Additionally, two production companies based in the North East region have been tapped to make three films each for The One Show, giving these smaller companies the opportunity to grow, develop their skills and showcase local talent.

Plus, The Digital Accelerator, a partnership between the BBC and North East Screen that was first announced at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Festival, has selected Adventure Alliance Films (County Durham), Film Nova (Gateshead), Northern Child (Newcastle upon Tyne) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough) to take part in its initiative to create innovative, digital-first content for 16- to 24-year-old audiences.

“What an exciting time for the North East,” said Helen Kunson, commissioner for daytime and early peak at the BBC. “I am delighted to be working with such brilliant companies across the whole region—from the fantastic new drama The Northumbria Mysteries with Lonesome Pine to the development opportunities across digital and The One Show, the BBC is committed to working with the world-class talent this region has to offer. And there’s more to come, so watch this space!”