Channel 4 Lines Up Jamie Oliver Doc on Dyslexia

ADVERTISEMENT

Channel 4 has partnered with Jamie Oliver and his Jamie Oliver Productions for an hour-long special about dyslexia in the U.K.

Oliver, who struggles with dyslexia himself, will delve into some of the challenges that are faced by an estimated 870,000 children across Britain, who are trapped in an archaic education system and need a level playing field to find their self-confidence and potential. He will learn how the school system could be reconfigured and campaign the government to make the changes necessary.

“It’s no secret I struggled at school, but I was one of the lucky ones” Oliver said. “I knew I wanted to be a chef, so I had somewhere to go, catering school, where I could thrive. The kitchen genuinely saved me. But not everyone is as lucky as me—what happens to those who don’t know where to go? We can’t leave kids’ futures up to luck. We need the education system to update, so everyone has the best possible chance in life.”

Tim Hancock, commissioning editor at Channel 4, commented, “There’s surely no more powerful or effective campaigner in the U.K. than Jamie, and now he’s turning his expertise to a subject extremely close to his heart and in dire need of his help. I’m thrilled that Channel 4 is following him back on the campaign trail, using his reputation to influence the social issues he thinks are most important in the country right now.”