The broadcaster will mark Sir David’s “extraordinary milestone” on May 8 with a week of special programming featuring new and old shows by the presenter.
One of the new programmes, titled Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure, will go behind the scenes of the landmark BBC One series which was first broadcast in 1979 and followed Sir David as he travelled to 40 countries to film 600 species.
It will feature new interviews of the wildlife broadcaster and the original production team as they reflect on the making of Life on Earth, and the challenges they faced along the way including a coup in the Comoros, being shot at as well as Sir David’s encounter with gorillas in Rwanda.
Sir David will also appear in the new series Secret Garden where he reveals the hidden worlds within Britain’s gardens.
Over five episodes across the UK, the series will capture the rich diversity of life in Britain’s back gardens while also reflecting on how the public can do their bit to save struggling species.
The presenter will also appear in David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth, a live event from the Royal Albert Hall featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests.
The week will also see special episodes from Sir David’s most-loved series including Planet Earth II; Seven Worlds, One Planet; Blue Planet II; Planet Earth III; Frozen Planet II; and his most recent film Wild London, along with a dedicated collection of 40 of Sir David’s most-loved programmes on iPlayer.
Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual at the BBC, said: “It’s impossible to overstate what Sir David Attenborough has given us.
“His programmes have not only defined science and natural history broadcasting, but they have also changed how we see our planet and our place within it.
“This special week is a celebration of an extraordinary milestone and of a body of work that continues to inspire awe, curiosity and care for the natural world.
“It’s also a moment for all of us at the BBC to say thank you to David — for his generosity, for his brilliance and for a lifetime spent bringing the wonders of nature into our homes.”
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