CBBC Lines Up New Steve Backshall Doc

Steve Backshall Takes on the Ogre, a new CBBC documentary, will see the titular naturalist/adventurer attempt to climb the Eiger mountain in Switzerland.

Digital content will follow Backshall in real time as he encounters frozen smooth rock, ice waterfalls and more before the hour-long doc airs in the spring. Footage of his preparations and three-day ascent will be available on the CBBC website and YouTube.

Steve Backshall Takes on the Ogre is produced by Screendog. Eoin O’Shea is producing alongside executive producer Ed Kellie for Screendog, while Kez Margrie is the commissioning editor for CBBC.

Backshall commented: “This is the single greatest challenge of my life. The North Face of the Eiger is one of the most dangerous places on the planet, but it’s drawn me in for as long as I can remember. If I fail it will be the most crushing disappointment of my life and if I make it, it will be the realization of a boyhood dream.”

Cheryl Taylor, the head of content for BBC Children’s, added: “Steve has brought all kinds of thrilling adventures to CBBC and this very personal quest is the most challenging of all. Our viewers will be in a unique position to watch his progress and support him on this difficult journey up the Eiger.”