BBC One Unveils Fall Lineup

LONDON: Around The World In 80 Days, a reality show in which six pairs of celebrities race around the world and embark on challenges to raise money for charity, is one of the highlights for BBC One this fall.

The 6×1-hour show will see celebs embarking on the 80-day worldwide adventure to raise funds for this year’s BBC Children in Need charity. The lineup includes comedians Frank Skinner and Lee Mack; The Apprentice stars Nick Hewer and Saira Khan; Countryfile presenters Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker; BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull and BBC News presenter Louise Minchin; Torchwood star John Barrowman and TV and radio presenter Myleene Klass; and actor Shane Richie together with actress and comedienne Josie Lawrence. Traveling by airplane is against the rules for the participants, who will be equipped with a GPS device and satellite phone. On each of the six legs, the celebrities will be raising money for BBC Children in Need as part of the challenge, including bringing home curiosities picked up along the way, which will be auctioned off in aid of the charity online.

Another highlight of the new lineup is the four-part Modern Masters, providing an in-depth look at Picasso, Dali, Matisse and Warhol. Strictly Come Dancing will be back for a seventh season with a new look, including new judge, Alesha Dixon. Other unscripted highlights include a new quiz show, As Seen on TV, more Hole in the Wall and Total Wipeout.

On the scripted front, BBC One unveiled Walk on the Wild Side, which combines comedic writing with natural-history footage. Caroline Wright, executive producer of BBC Entertainment, noted: "Walk On The Wild Side is a potent mix of amazing wildlife photography, a fantastically-talented group of comedy writers and performers and an amazing furry cast." Elsewhere on the comedy slate are the circus-themed Big Top; the returning Gavin & Stacey and the sketch comedy series Impressions Show.

The extensive drama slate for BBC One includes the legal-themed Criminal Justice; Doctor Who: The Waters Of Mars, the second of four specials for 2009 starring David Tennant; the Jane Austen four-part adaptation Emma; Material Girl, about a young fashion designer; the five-part investigative drama Paradox; and the love story Small Island.