SARA COX OPENS THE MARVELLOUS MINIATURES WORKSHOP FOR BBC ONE

BBC Daytime has commissioned eight episodes of its new series, The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop (w/t) made by MGM Alternative and presented by TV presenter, author, podcaster and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox. Professional model makers will bring places, people and iconic moments in time back to life via miniature models.

These special, one-off models, will not only celebrate cherished and emotional family stories, but also tap into our collective cultural heritage around events, design and fashions, or common themes. Whether it is a life event, a snap-shot of mid-century design or a memory tied to trends of the past, these models will serve as tiny yet powerful windows into the way things were.

To ensure the models are as authentic as possible, the miniaturists must embark on an investigative journey to uncover the personal stories behind each request, as well as dig into historical and cultural references to craft them as true and realistic as possible.

MGM Alternative will use the latest technology and microscopic cameras to get up close and personal, capturing the minute details and craft that goes into creating these special models.

Audiences will be taken on an emotional journey from start to finish, from meeting the people who want to capture their special moment, their background on why it’s so important to them, to the research that goes into getting every detail correct.

There will be challenges along the way, from identifying accurate furnishing colours and materials from over half a century ago, to recreating interiors and buildings that have long since been derelict. At the end of each episode is the big reveal; Have our Miniaturists faithfully re-created the place of so many memories for our contributors? And how will they react when they see their childhood memories brought back to life?

Rachel Platt Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime comments, “Many of us will remember our first set of building blocks, train set, or dolls house, so what a thrill to have one of those miniature worlds created around your own special memory. Combining the nation’s love of model-making with stories that are at once deeply personal and wonderfully relatable, each episode of this genuinely delightful series will be full of emotion, nostalgia - and exceptional skill.”

Sara Cox comments; “We all have life events that hold a special place in our heart, so I’m absolutely thrilled we are going to be recreating cherished memories and moments in time using the astonishing skills of our miniaturists. This show taps into our fascination with the tiny, from fantasy film to classic literature and as a naturally very nosey person, I personally can’t wait to find out the beautiful backstory that inspires each creation.

Dom Bird SVP, MGM Alternative UK comments, “MGM is delighted to be growing our slate of BBC programmes in 2025, with this original new series combining deeply personal stories and incredible craftsmanship with joyous surprises and reveals. These perfect replicas will bring back to life those locations that changed and shaped people’s lives, while the models will be small, the heart and joy in this series promises to be huge.”

The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop (w/t) has been commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer by Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, Rob Unsworth. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime is Rachel Platt. The programme is made by MGM Alternative UK, the Series Producer is Nicki Stoker.