The BBC has unveiled its latest documentary series, “Soldier,” which will offer viewers exclusive access to the British Army. The five-part series is set to premiere on BBC One and will also be available on BBC iPlayer starting on October 5, 2023.
“Soldier” takes audiences behind the scenes at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire. Cameras will follow a platoon of young infantry recruits as they embark on a challenging six-month training course designed to push them to their physical and mental limits, determining if they have what it takes to serve on the frontline in the British Army.
Jack Bootle, Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning at the BBC, expressed his excitement for the series, stating, “I’m delighted to bring this revelatory series to BBC One and iPlayer, and looking forward to viewers watching our new recruits transform from kids to close combat warriors.”
The documentary, produced by Label1, known for the award-winning BBC series “Hospital,” will showcase the remarkable transformation of these recruits. These young men and women will leave behind their friends and families, trading in their regular jobs and video games for real-life weapons and army uniforms. The series will explore whether they have the mettle to operate as close combat warriors and be ready for action anywhere in the world. Only the very best will pass this rigorous test.
Among the recruits featured in the series are individuals with diverse backgrounds, including a 20-year-old whose mother is a pacifist, a 17-year-old former fast-food restaurant worker, a 21-year-old ex-aspiring footballer from Middlesbrough, and an 18-year-old woman from a military family eager to follow in her father’s footsteps. Notably, women have been allowed to join frontline infantry roles since 2018 and must meet the same standards as men.
The recruits will face gruelling challenges such as obstacle courses, weapon handling and firing, rigorous inspections, and the crucial skill of close-quarters combat using a bayonet. All of this unfolds under the watchful eyes of the training team, including Lieutenant Wahab, Sergeant McIntosh, and Corporal White. These recruits will face the reality of becoming frontline soldiers at a time when Europe is experiencing war for the first time in a generation.
Colonel Shaun Chandler, Commander Headquarters Soldier Academy (North), expressed his delight at the series, stating, “Six months of filming with the recruits and instructors of D1 Platoon at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick has resulted in a fascinating documentary covering infantry training showcasing the recruits growing in strength and confidence as they face their futures as infantry in the British Army.”
“Soldier” is a BBC Factual and BBC England co-commission and is produced by Label1, a Fremantle label. The series will premiere on Thursday, October 5, at 9 pm on BBC One, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer. This series is part of the BBC’s commitment to producing more content from across the UK, reflecting its dedication to serving all parts of the country and delivering value to audiences.
The series producer is Kim Rossiter, and the series director is Paul Wells. It is executive produced by Fran Baker, Lorraine Charker-Phillips, and Simon Dickson. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Jack Bootle and Tony Parker.
