BEN FOGLE TRAVELS TO CHINA FOR LATEST CHANNEL 5 TRAVELOGUE

5 has commissioned a brand new 3 x 90’ documentary series Ben Fogle in China (w/t) from Blink Films following Ben as he travels eastwards to discover China’s rich history and learns how it has transformed into the global powerhouse it is today. 

With deep and revealing access, this ambitious and thoughtful series gets to the heart of this extraordinary country.  Fiercely independent in its approach to telling all sides of the Chinese story from the inside, this series explores its pivotal place in the modern world, as well as its ancient and recent history.

In beautifully crafted episodes, presenter Ben Fogle embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to understand China - to see its most staggering sights, go beyond the stereotypes and discover its true identity. Ben delves into an epic 3000-year tale of how China has got to where it is today - how centuries of Imperial rule gave way to Communist revolution under Chairman Mao and the breakneck economic transformation as the state capitalist China of recent years has emerged.

Mixing both the experiences from the people themselves, and a tour of this magnificent region Ben takes the temperature of a country now at the very centre of humanity in the 21^st century. So why and how has contemporary China become so important to all our lives?

From rugged mountains and ancient temples, extraordinary landscapes and people, to mega-factories and glittering modern cities with technology years ahead of almost anywhere else, Ben is on a mission to get under the skin of modern China and how it’s shaping the future. And although filming had its challenges, with state minders and rules in place, the series doesn’t shy away from the attention that China attracts outside its borders.

Ben Fogle commented: “I’ve travelled to some of the most remote corners of the world, but China is a place I’ve never explored until now. This was an incredible opportunity to go beyond the headlines and the stereotypes and discover the real China through the people that are shaping its future. I went in search of friends and came back with some incredible stories that haven’t been told before. This was a challenging series but I’m really proud of it and can’t wait to share the adventure on 5”

Guy Davies, Consultant Editor Commissioning, 5, added "This is an eye-opening epic exploration into one of the most fascinating and fast-changing countries on Earth. With his curiosity, warmth and insight, Ben takes us beyond the headlines to uncover the people, places, and stories that have defined and continue to define the centuries old enigma which is China.”

Dan Chambers, Executive Producer, Blink Films said: “China has to be one of the most fascinating countries on earth, so we’re delighted to be sending Ben there along with a top production team to do a deep dive on culture, history and innovation.”

China With Ben Fogle (w/t) was commissioned by Guy Davies for 5 and produced by Blink Films in association with All3Media International.  The Executive Producers for the series are Dan Chambers and Nina Davies, with Freddie Martin serving as the Series Producer/Director, and Ruairi Dunne as Producer. All3Media International is the worldwide distribution partner.

The series will be able to watch and stream on 5 with dates to be confirmed in due course.