The BBC has been going strong for a century (Picture: Getty)
The BBC is celebrating 100 years of broadcasting to the nation with a packed schedule of special events, from shows including Doctor Who, The Repair Shop and Strictly Come Dancing.
Today, the broadcaster – the full name for which is the British Broadcasting Corporation – turns 100 years old, having been founded on October 18 1922, then as The British Broadcasting Company.
To mark the momentous occasion, there are plenty of special programmes in the line-up in the coming days, including Jodie Whittaker’s final appearance as the Doctor on Sunday.
This week’s Strictly will see the celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners perform routines inspired by various famous tunes from the BBC, including the themes from The Apprentice and EastEnders.
Another show commemorating the anniversary will be The Repair Shop, with the beloved series set to air an episode featuring King Charles III on October 26, which was filmed in August 2021 when he was then Prince Charles.
What’s more, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and Scottish-Caribbean poet Courtney Stoddart have been commissioned to write poems about the relationship the BBC has with the nation, as well as the past 100 years that the company has broadcast poetry.
Jodie’s final appearance as the Doctor is coming this week (Picture: BBC Studios/James Pardon/Matt Burlem)
This week’s Strictly will pay homage to the BBC with the couples’ routines (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Today, BBC Chairman Richard Sharp released a statement about the firm reaching the impressive milestone, saying that it’s ‘time to celebrate, but also to embrace the future’.
‘I believe its best days are ahead. We have always innovated, changed and adapted. Our path has always been guided by the needs of audiences,’ he said.
What special programmes are on for BBC at 100?
How The BBC Began: Part 1 – Saturday October 22, 7pm, BBC Two
Antiques Roadshow: 100 Years of The BBC – Sunday October 23, 5.45pm, BBC One
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor – Sunday October 23, 7.30pm, BBC One
Una Marson: Our Lost Caribbean Voice – Sunday October 23, 9pm, BBC Two
The Repair Shop: Centenary Special – Wednesday October 26, 8pm, BBC One
Kids’ TV: The Surprising Story – Wednesday October 26, 9pm, BBC One
The Love Box in Your Living Room with Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse – Thursday October 27, 9pm, BBC Two
Saturday Kitchen Live – Saturday October 29, 10am, BBC One
How The BBC Began Part 2 – Saturday October 29, 7pm, BBC Two
King Charles III with The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades (Picture: Ian West/BBC/Ricochet Ltd/PA)
‘We are just as mindful of that today as we have always been. By continuing to put the public first, we will continue to inform, educate and entertain for another century.’
BBC Director-General Tim Davie added that as the BBC reaches 100 years on the air, the company’s mission is ‘to inform, educate, and entertain, has never been more relevant or needed’.
‘For a century, the BBC has been a beacon of trusted news and programming across the world, as well as being part of the fabric of the UK and one of its key institutions,’ he said.
‘It has been a story of a devotion to public service and constant reinvention –which those in the BBC today remain utterly committed to. We exist to serve the public – doing that will guide the next 100 years.’
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The BBC is 100 years old today.