MADE IN SHEFFIELD: BEN FOGLE TO FRONT NEW CHANNEL 5 DOCUMENTARY SERIES

5 have announced an ambitious new two-part documentary series following adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle as he embarks on his most formidable challenge yet – rescuing a struggling British business.

Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) (2x 60’), co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Wander Films for 5, will chart Ben’s gamble into the unknown as he risks his life savings, reputation, and family’s financial future to revive Buffalo Systems. The Sheffield-based cult outdoor brand is known for its old-school, indestructible kit and is beloved by mountain rescue teams and military folk - but it's virtually unknown to the average British consumer.

Amid a cost-of-living crisis, many see Ben’s decision as reckless. His wife Marina is worried. Legendary outdoor designer Nigel Cabourn calls him “f*cking mad.” And the factory staff aren’t convinced this posh southerner has what it takes.

But Ben is all in. Determined to turn Buffalo into a household name without losing its Sheffield soul, he’s making bold moves: opening the brand’s first direct-to-consumer shop in 40 years, designing his own jacket, and adding new colours to break free from decades of khaki and grey.

It’s a personal mission, born from a period of poor mental health and a desire to spend more time with family. He believes in Buffalo. But belief alone won’t cut it. He and partner James Sleater are taking on £100,000 of debt, aiming to be debt-free within a year. With a growing team and no guarantee of success, everything rides on whether their gamble pays off. Will it save Buffalo - or sink it?

All eyes are on Ben as we follow him from factory floor to shop launch party as he tries to bring a cult brand into the modern era. The commission follows 5's commissioning team visiting the North East earlier this year to meet emerging production companies in the region as part of an event organised by North East Screen.

Ben Fogle commented: “I’ve taken on some big adventures in my life, but this might be the boldest yet. Buying a Sheffield factory and investing in Buffalo is a huge leap - financially and emotionally. I’ve put everything into it because I believe in the brand, the people, and the power of British manufacturing. It’s a challenge, no doubt, and people may think I’m crazy, but I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5 added: “I believe this new series will offer a fresh perspective on Ben - one our audience hasn’t seen before. It’s a bold and risky personal challenge that promises both heart and grit. I’m genuinely excited to be working with the small North Eastern company Wander, based in Middlesbrough, alongside Daisybeck. I believe they’ll craft a compelling and emotional series as Ben trades the wild for the workshop in his mission to revive a British iconic brand.”

Mark McMullen, Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios said “We’re thrilled to be part of Ben’s boldest adventure yet. This series will showcase the vision, resilience, and sheer determination needed to revive a much-loved Yorkshire brand. We’ll be following Ben from the factory floor through to his ambitious relaunch and can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with the audience.”

Chloë Clover Executive Producer, Wander Films noted: “This is exactly the kind of story we love; bold, full of personality, real people taking risks. Buffalo is a Sheffield icon with a cult following and Ben’s mission to bring it into the modern era is packed with heart and high stakes. We’re buzzing to co-produce and can’t wait for audiences to see how it plays out.”

Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) is a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5. The series is expected to air in 2026 on 5.