Sir David Attenborough and Professor Brian Cox join forces in new show People of Science

The pair will discuss Charles Darwin's legacy
Joining forces: Sir David Attenborough and Professor Brian Cox
PA
Aime Grant Cumberbatch11 January 2018

Two of the nation’s favourite scientists - Sir David Attenborough and Professor Brian Cox are set to unite on screen for the first time in a new show.

The physicist and the naturalist will discuss the legacy of Charles Darwin in an episode of BBC iPlayer series People of Science, touching on his obsession with beetles and his paradigm-shifting book On the Origin of Species.

Cox, who presents the series, will also delve into the Royal Society archives with fellows Bill Bryson, Dame Uta Frith, Sir David Spiegelhaltr, Dame Julia Higgins and Dame Sally Davies, introducing viewers to other important scientific figures.

He said of the programme: “It’s been a fascinating experience to work with fellows of the Royal Society to tell these stories. For me, and I hope for the audience, these films deliver a rare insight into the people behind some of the world’s greatest scientific discoveries.

“Some are household names, some less well known, but all have changed our lives."

Following the success of Attenborough’s Blue Planet II, which was the most-watched TV show of 2017, the BBC has announced more documentaries set to air this year.

Drowning in Plastic picks up on the theme of ocean pollution explored in Blue Planet II, while a new nature series Dynasty will focus on animals including lions, African hunting dogs, chimpanzees, tigers and emperor penguins as they try to create families or groups.

The BBC has yet to confirm whether Dynasty will be narrated by Attenborough as the Blue Planet, Planet Earth and The Hunt documentaries have been previously.

Blue Planet II: How plastic is killing our sea creatures - In pictures

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People of Science will be available to watch on iPlayer from Thursday, January 11.

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