ITV Documentaries
Season 2013
TV-PG
Documentaries broadcast on ITV.
Where to Watch Season 2013
39 Episodes
- Trouble Abroad - Part 1E1
Trouble Abroad - Part 1The first of two programmes telling the stories of some of the estimated five million Britons who have left the UK in search of a better life, only for their plans to go awry. In France, a woman is forced to survive on charity food parcels after losing everything, and a homesick former rock star living in Spain desperately tries to sell his villa after suffering a stroke. Narrated by Sarah Lancashire. - Trouble Abroad - Part 2E2
Trouble Abroad - Part 2Conclusion of the documentary following the stories of British expats struggling to survive away from the UK. Corin and Jayne Fairchild see their dream of becoming wine-makers in France destroyed after being sold a substandard vineyard, Claire Tyson fights to keep her bar open in recession-hit Spain and Paul and Jennie Skingley's business collapses in America, putting their family's future in jeopardy. Narrated by Sarah Lancashire. - All You Can EatE3
All You Can EatThe competitive sport of eating is growing across the UK. We explore this extreme world where gluttony is good and gorging leads to greatness. Among many others, we’ll meet a 7 and a half stone dynamo who can eat hamburgers faster than anyone else on the planet and somebody who won the coveted title in the World Pie Eating Championships in Wigan. What drives these people? What does it do to their bodies? And what does the growing craze say about Britain’s relationship with food? - The Secret Life Of DogsE4
The Secret Life Of DogsWith over 400 recognised breeds, dogs can be found in more shapes, sizes and varieties than any other mammal on the planet. During the last few years, scientists have delved deeper than ever before into the canine mind and body and the results are mind-blowing. This one-off, heart-warming and revealing documentary narrated by Martin Clunes, explores the truth behind dogs’ super powers, their undying loyalty and the incredible intuition of man’s best friend. - Margaret Thatcher: The Woman Who Changed Britain
E7Margaret Thatcher: The Woman Who Changed BritainMargaret Thatcher arrived in power and Britain changed forever. Her policies polarised the nation and the mention of her name still provokes feelings of both admiration and anger. This hour-long ITV special, presented by Alastair Stewart, looks at Baroness Thatcher's impact on Britain and the world before and during her time in Number 10 and the decades that followed. - The World in Action YearsE8
The World in Action YearsA look back at one of the most iconic and important current affairs programmes in television history. For three and a half decades World in Action shook up governments, exposed some of the bad guys, and was compulsive viewing for those who wanted to stay well informed about current events. The programme includes some fascinating clips including Mick Jagger discussing drugs with members of the British establishment, the death of Che Guevara, John Pilger on Vietnam, and the programme's long campaign to free the Birmingham Six. With contributions from Hollywood directors Michael Apted and Paul Greengrass who cut their teeth on the programme, Matthew Parris and Adam Holloway MP who were both reporters on the show, Granada's Sir Denis Forman, and its longest serving editor Ray Fitzwalter. - The Story of NowE10
The Story of NowThis year marks the 30th anniversary of a musical phenomenon that’s become the compendium to everyone’s musical growing-up. Currently on its 84th edition, Now That’s What I Call Music! is one of the British pop music’s biggest success stories. Since the first ever Now was rolled out for Christmas 1983 with its delicious mix of Phil Collins, Kajagoogoo, Culture Club and Howard Jones, the series has gone on to sell more than 100 million records in the UK alone. It’s been released in just about every format imaginable, from vinyl and audio cassette to CD, download and even mini-disc. Everyone owns one; you can pretty much work out someone’s age by it; and 30 years on, Now shows no signs of slowing down. For the first time ever on TV, this fast-paced and witty documentary special for ITV will tell the fascinating story of how Now grew from a one-off punt by Virgin Records and EMI to become the most enduring brand in pop music. We’ll find out how compilation albums began life with poor quality record releases from Pickwick, K-Tel and Ronco before Now came on the scene; we’ll hear how the iconic moniker Now That’s What I Call Music began life with a pig and a chicken; and learn about those artists who vied to be Disc One Track One, and those who refused to appear on Now altogether. We’ll hear from those who created it, the artists who appeared on it, and from some well-known faces who went out and bought it. With contributions from Sir Richard Branson, Dermot O’Leary, Dom Joly, Mark Wright, Jason Donovan, Limahl, Pete Waterman, Brian McFadden, Liz McClarnon, Gordon Smart and many others, this is going to be a must-see for all music fans. - Kids with Tourette's: In Their Own WordsE11
Kids with Tourette's: In Their Own Words“When he first started swearing, you do a big intake of breath and think ‘oh my gosh, now what am I going to do?’ At that point I don’t think I was even able to support him. The emotions took over and I just literally cried for two days…I was sad. I’d lost part of my son.” Kristy, mum to Connor, age 12 It is believed that 1 in 100 school children are affected by Tourette’s Syndrome, mostly boys. There is no cure, but there is hope, thanks to a pioneering treatment programme at Great Ormond Street Hospital. This one-off, hour-long documentary follows the lives of three boys and their families over a six-month period as they share the reality of living with the condition and the daily obstacles they face. This is their story, in their own words. They are filmed at home and in public and both the boys and their families share their personal thoughts direct to camera in individual interviews which are woven into the programme. It offers a compelling insight into Tourette’s and how it can be treated, with unprecedented access to Great Ormond Street’s Clinic, which deals with the most severe and complex cases in the country. Callum, age 9, wants to be an astronaut when he grows up and proudly shares his impersonation of an alien with Tourette’s. His mum Maria explains he started by getting eye tics and now gets new ones all the time. Callum says: “Other people stare at me and it’s annoying and sometimes I just want to go over there and tell them that I’ve got Tourette’s and I can’t help it, can you stop staring at me? Animals are easier to be with than people because the animals just ignore you because they can’t talk or say anything.” Connor is age 12. He says: “I look normal but I happen to have Tourette’s Syndrome. I can’t help shout, swear or do movements. I call my Tourette’s Johnny because it’s Johnny who shouts and swears and me who doesn’t shout and swear.” Connor’s dad Carl describ - David Walliams: Snapshot in TimeE12
David Walliams: Snapshot in TimeDavid Walliams attempts to find the classmates who were pictured alongside him on the stage at his Surrey grammar school back in 1983 to discover what has happened to them in the 30 years since it was taken. His adventure takes him back into his childhood past, to his home and his old school as he attempts to reunite his former school friends. - Me and my Guide DogE15
Me and my Guide DogAn exploration of the unique relationship between man and his best friend; from the birth of a litter of puppies, through guide dog training, to placement with those who need them most. With exclusive access to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, this heart-warming film, narrated by dog-lover, Paul O’Grady, highlights the difference guide dogs make to people’s lives. For the past 80 years, the Association has been matching the visually impaired with their canine guides in life-changing partnerships. From Steve Cunningham, the world’s fastest blind man, who drives racing cars at high speed, to newly-engaged Mark and Claire who were brought together by their guide dogs’ own romance and Liverpool-based 24-year-old Lynette Proctor who’s undergoing guide-dog training with her first guide dog Pippa. We hear the heartfelt stories of the difference dogs can make to the lives of those who cannot see for themselves. Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind. When someone loses their sight, guide dogs ensure they don’t have to lose their freedom as well. - Alan Whicker: Journey's EndE19
Alan Whicker: Journey's EndIn a tribute to the veteran broadcaster who died recently, this documentary examines Alan Whicker's ground-breaking, 50-year career. A true TV pioneer, he brought the world into people's living rooms - from Venice to Palm Beach, Hong Kong to the Australian Outback, on the QE2 or the Orient Express - and interviewed some fascinating characters. There are contributions from those who worked with Alan, and from people who were inspired by his work on series like Tonight and Whicker's World. There are also reflections on an incredible life by the man himself, in previously unseen interviews. - Poaching Wars with Tom Hardy: Part 1
E21Poaching Wars with Tom Hardy: Part 1Travelling through Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania, Hardy hears horrific tales of slaughtered rhinos and elephants but also takes time to understand why trading ivory can be so hard to resist in impoverished areas – the prices fetched are sky high. So what’s the solution? Hardy gives it his best shot to find out. - Prince William's Passion: New Father, New Hope
E22Prince William's Passion: New Father, New HopeIn his first interview since the royal birth, the Duke of Cambridge talks to Jane Treays about parenthood and his hopes that Prince George will one day share his passion for wildlife conservation. He explains the influence that Africa has had on his life and reflects on how he can extend the royal legacy in the continent by building on the work of his parents. - Being Paul Gascoigne
E23Being Paul GascoigneFrom the peak of his career as an England international footballer to his battles with drink, this one-off documentary reveals the real Paul Gascoigne in his own words and those of the people closest to him. Over a three-month period, cameras have been given unprecedented access to the man himself, beginning with his very public relapse earlier this year, through recovery to his latest public humiliation in a London street. This is an intimate insight into the reality of his turbulent world as he battles his demons, attempts to help other alcoholics and tries to rebuild his relationship with his ex-wife Cheryl, son Regan and stepdaughter Bianca. - Sir Trevor McDonald on Women Behind Bars - Part 1E24
Sir Trevor McDonald on Women Behind Bars - Part 1The veteran broadcaster follows life inside two prisons holding some of America's most notorious female criminals - Indiana Women's Prison and Rockville Correctional Facility in the same US state. Among the inmates he meets in the first edition is Sarah Pender, who went on the run while serving 110 years for double murder, before being captured four months later, and Martha Search, who is looking forward to getting to grips with modern technology when her 20-year sentence comes to an end. - There's Something About Susan
E26There's Something About SusanSusan Boyle has suffered from anxiety all her life. This documentary follows her as she prepares for a series of concerts in Scotland and a gig in America in front of 20,000 fans. Susan Boyle was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder in 2012 and is now ready to talk about it. She will meet other people who suffer from similar conditions to compare experiences and see what they can learn from one another. - Utopia
E28UtopiaBAFTA award-winning director John Pilger presents a documentary detailing the plight of the Aboriginal population in Australia's poorest region, Utopia. This new feature-length documentary by award-winning film-maker and journalist John Pilger explores the story of the first Australians against a background of the country's economic boom built significantly on a wealth of natural minerals. - First Among Equals - The Laurie Cunningham StoryE29
First Among Equals - The Laurie Cunningham StoryThe story of Laurie Cunningham, who became the first black footballer to play for England at any level when he was selected for an under-21 international against Scotland in 1977. This marked a watershed moment in British culture, inspiring a generation of young black players not only to believe they belonged in the country, but that they could represent it. Featuring interviews with Vincente Del Bosque, Cyrille Regis, Viv Anderson, Peter Reid, Ian Wright, John Barnes, Paul Ince and many more. - Gareth Bale: Welsh GalacticoE30
Gareth Bale: Welsh GalacticoA profile of the Real Madrid and Wales footballer, who secured his long drawn-out move to the Spanish giants in the summer of 2013 for a world record transfer fee. Bale came to prominence as a teenager in the ranks at Southampton before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, where his talent flourished and brought him to the attention of arguably the world's biggest club - Newsflash - Stories That Stopped the World
E31Newsflash - Stories That Stopped the WorldDocumentary taking a look back at the newsflash, when TV schedules were interrupted to break momentous news stories in the days before the internet and 24-hour news channels. Newsroom reporters and presenters talk about delivering breaking news to the viewing public when the newsflash was the most dramatic and unexpected broadcast of them all. Contributors including Alastair Stewart, John Suchet, Mary Nightingale and Martyn Lewis talk about the part they played in stories such as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, the announcement of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. Plus a look back at the day that shocked the world in 1963 when news anchor Walter Cronkite reported the assassination of President Kennedy. - Sex, Lies and a Very British ScapegoatE33
Sex, Lies and a Very British ScapegoatIn 1963 John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, was forced to resign after admitting an affair with a 19-year-old model called Christine Keeler. The affair took place during the height of the Cold War when America and Russia were threatening each other with nuclear weapons and whilst Christine was sleeping with Profumo, she was also seeing a known Russian Spy. Now, in this exclusive documentary for ITV, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber tells the story of the affair and reveals a secret hedonistic world of luxury, passion and parties. Featuring interviews with those who knew and socialised with Christine Keeler and Profumo at the time, Lord Lloyd Webber tells the documentary how the scandal began and about the man who introduced the couple and was eventually made the scapegoat for the affair – Dr Stephen Ward. - Coronation Year in ColourE34
Coronation Year in ColourIn the sixteen months following the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II in February 1952, Britain moved from the grey of post-war austerity to a Technicolor world filled with hope and possibilities, a transformation most potently symbolised by the Coronation of a beautiful young Queen. Using compelling interviews and rare archive footage –much of it amateur home movies - Coronation Year in Colour immerses the audience in the joys, realities and quirks of everyday life in Britain. - The Man Who Would Stop at Nothing: The Mick Philpott TrialE35
The Man Who Would Stop at Nothing: The Mick Philpott TrialIn 2006 and 2007, Mick Philpott became a media bogeyman as a result of his 15 children with several different mothers and his request for a larger council property to house his family, which at the time included both Willis and Mairead Philpott. He appeared on The Jeremy Kyle Show and the 2007 documentary Ann Widdecombe versus the Benefits Culture. The couple, along with Paul Mosley, were found guilty of manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court this afternoon following a lengthy, high-profile trial. The Philpotts' five children, plus a sixth child from Mairead Philpott's previous relationship, died in a fire at the family home in Allenton, Derby, in May 2012. The prosecution case was that the three defendants planned the fire in an attempt to frame Mick Philpott's ex-partner, Lisa Willis, and influence family court proceedings concerning Willis and Mick Philpott's four children, who were under Willis's care at the time. - Happy Birthday E.T.E38
Happy Birthday E.T.Thirty years ago, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial broke box-office records and has captivated audiences ever since. This documentary provides an insight into the making of Steven Spielberg's classic fantasy film, revealing how Matthew De Meritt, who was born without legs, played the alien in some scenes, and why real doctors were brought in, instead of actors, to film the moment where E.T. is seen dying. Henry Thomas, who starred as lonely boy Elliott, revisits the suburban Californian house where much of the movie was made, and there are also contributions from Dee Wallace and Robert MacNaughton. - The Secret Life of DogsE39
The Secret Life of DogsWith over 400 recognised breeds, dogs can be found in more shapes, sizes and varieties than any other mammal on the planet. During the last few years, scientists have delved deeper than ever before into the canine mind and body and the results are mind-blowing. This one-off, heart-warming and revealing documentary narrated by Martin Clunes, explores the truth behind dogs’ super powers, their undying loyalty and the incredible intuition of man’s best friend.
