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BBC shelve beloved David Attenborough show after two series
The groundbreaking series was considered to be some of Sir David Attenborough’s finest work for the BBC
THE BBC has quietly shelved Sir David Attenborough’s epic wildlife series Dynasties, I can reveal.
There are currently no further plans to continue the groundbreaking show that followed endangered or vulnerable species in their fight for survival.
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The first series in 2018 included lions, tigers and chimps, while the second in 2022 featured pumas, elephants, hyenas and cheetahs.
It focused on their struggles with rivals, the forces of nature and the fight to protect animal dynasties.
Filming took place in locations ranging from Zimbabwe to Antarctica.
The BBC One show was narrated by Sir David and considered to be some of his finest work for the Beeb.
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But despite its success, the BBC now intends to concentrate on an “expansion” of the series, under a new name.
A source said: “It will no doubt be a huge blow to fans of the series, who tuned in from the US to New Zealand for the second season.
“It was widely expected that a third would follow.
“But the programme has now been set aside while the team focus their efforts elsewhere.
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"Of course with all nature programming, there's no reason why the BBC can't return to the format idea for Dynasties in the future so it may well return one day."
It is said that the BBC feels the “baton” has been handed to already-announced show Kingdom, which is considered to be a “spin-off” of Dynasties.
The Corporation says Kingdom marks the most ambitious undertaking to date for BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, filming six animal sagas in Zambia over a four-year period.
A source added: “Kingdom will expand upon the original idea for Dynasties.
“It will focus on the conflicts and dynamics that exist across various different animal groups, in one location, rather than on just one particular family or tribe.”
With Kingdom not due until 2025, we’ll need the patience of a wildlife filmographer.
But I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
ANDY And The Band will return for a third series on CBeebies with a host of celebrity guests.
Andy Day and his bandmates in the Odd Socks will be joined by stars including Queen guitarist Brian May, actress Nina Wadia and Lioness Ella Toone.
The second series is already in production.
KIM’S IN TEARS AT SICK DAD
TEARFUL Kimberly Wyatt opens up about her dad’s cancer battle tonight.
In Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer challenge Don’t Look Down, she tackles a 35ft high- wire walk with her co-stars.
But in the show, from 9.15pm, the singer also reveals her dad’s cancer could genetically pass on to her and her two daughters, Willow and Maple.
Kimberly says: “I’ve faced a lot of cancer in my life – my auntie, with breast cancer.
My dad currently has cancer and is trying to fight through that.
He’s also found with the type that he has, it’s genetic.
It normally passes down and often lands in the women. You know, I have two daughters as well.
“It’s a lot to process. But that’s why it’s just nice to have something to focus on and do.”
STANDBY DAVINA . .
STAND Up To Cancer has a packed line-up for its live takeover on November 3.
Davina McCall hosts the Channel 4 fundraiser alongside comedians Adam Hills, Joe Lycett and Munya Chawawa.
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Guests including Rita Ora and Oti Mabuse will celebrate the progress in cancer research and ten years of SU2C.
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The live show will air ahead of a special episode of Celebrity Gogglebox and the finale of Paddy McGuinness’ Don’t Look Down.
The night will also include a tribute to late comic Sean Lock, with the best of his Lockipedia series.
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