BBC One's blog

2.15pm Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May on BBC ONE and BBC TWO

Hazel Irvine presents live action from the European Tour’s flagship event, the PGA Championship, from Wentworth.

9.00pm Friday 21 May on BBC ONE

DI Alex Drake (Keeley Hawes) and the team finally find out the truth about DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) and whether he murdered Sam Tyler, in the final episode of the time-slip police drama

The nation’s children are set to take centre stage in Same Smile, a new CBeebies series starting in June, which sees presenter Nisha Anil cycling across the UK with her group of three cuddly pandas to visit children and discover that we are all the same, but different.

A collaboration involving BBC teams from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, Same Smile travels the length and breadth of the country to open a window on the world of young children and celebrate the diversity of their lives.

From Lisburn to Inverness and Cambridge to Colwyn Bay, Same Smile sees Nisha and her furry trio – Mish, Moosh and Mogo – pay a visit to a nursery or group of children from a different regional area.

Delving into the special Same Smile suitcase, Nisha discovers the theme for the day – be it a favourite place, favourite food, favourite garden or favourite family activity.

While Nisha and one of the pandas stays with the group to play games or do creative activities, two of the cuddly pandas go home with two children who introduce them to their worlds, friends and families and explore their own versions of the day’s theme.

From Irish dancing in Strangford to looking after pet tarantulas in Poole, Nisha and her adventurous friends explore a rich range of activities, places and objects from the everyday to the extraordinary.

“At CBeebies we’re dedicated to reflecting real children’s lives in our output and Same Smile is a wonderful example of this,” says CBeebies controller Kay Benbow.

“Our resourceful regional teams have all worked together in a unique collaboration which sees the series travel around the country to bring children absolutely to the heart of the programmes.”

Aimed at two to four year olds, this delightful new series takes a unique look at children’s lives around the country and discovers that, while we may have different lives, we all have the Same Smile.

Same Smile is a BBC Scotland production for CBeebies.

After a packed two months, the 116th BBC Proms – the world’s largest classical music festival – comes to a spectacular end on Saturday 11 September.

Last Night Of The Proms celebrations take place across the UK as, once again, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales host ambitious live events. Audiences around the UK can also join in at more BBC Big Screens than ever before to mark the conclusion of the annual BBC Proms season at the Royal Albert Hall.

The world-famous Last Night Of The Proms celebrations spill out from London’s Royal Albert Hall, as people come together at venues across the UK to be part of the magic of the Last Night. Events are now confirmed in London, Hillsborough, Swansea and Salford, while Dundee joins the celebrations for the first time in Scotland.

Each show is centred around a live concert with its own high-profile artists, BBC orchestras and presenters. The evenings culminate in a live big-screen link-up to the Royal Albert Hall for the traditional participatory festivities and flag-waving which round off the world’s largest music festival. All are invited to join the largest ever operatic chorus to sing the Bridal Chorus from Wagner’s Lohengrin and the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic You’ll Never Walk Alone.

In London’s Hyde Park Sir Terry Wogan returns to present the 15th anniversary of Proms In The Park, while operatic legends Jose Carreras and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa are already confirmed there, with other top artists to be announced over the coming months.

Sir Terry says of the event: “Prawns in the Pork, Prams in the Dark, a rose by any other name… it is a privilege and an unalloyed pleasure to present Proms In The Park before the magnificent audience that packs Hyde Park. Come rain or shine, its high spirits are ever buoyant. It’s an evening of flags and banners, joy and laughter. And magnificent music, ending with Land Of Hope And Glory from 40,000 loyal throats, as fireworks light up the night over Hyde Park.”

Audiences can also join the Last Night Of The Proms celebrations via one of the BBC Big Screens around the country – more than ever in 2010: Birmingham (Victoria Square), Bradford (Centenary Square), Bristol (Millennium Square), Cardiff (The Hayes), Derby (Market Place), Dover (Market Square), Edinburgh (Festival Square), Leeds (Millennium Square), Leicester (Humberstone Gate), Liverpool (Clayton Square), Manchester (Exchange Square), Middlesbrough (Centre Square), Norwich (Chapelfield Plain), Plymouth (Armada Way), Portsmouth (Guildhall Square), Swindon (Wharf Green), Waltham Forest (Walthamstow Town Square) and Woolwich (General Gordon Place).

Highlights of Proms In The Park will be included as part of the live coverage of the Last Night on BBC One and BBC Two, while digital TV viewers can choose to watch the Royal Albert Hall concert or Proms In The Park.

Roger Wright, director of the BBC Proms says: “The Last Night Of The Proms is an event like no other – bringing together the UK for a night of singing, celebrations and merriment. We’ve devised a strong line-up of events this year and a wide range of venues to allow audiences everywhere to experience as one the magic of the Last Night Of The Proms.”

Details and line-ups will be announced in due course. For details regarding the BBC Big Screens, visit bbc.co.uk/bigscreens.

- Hyde Park, London, England

- Hillsborough Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland

- Caird Hall, Dundee, Scotland

- Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales

- Buile Hill Park, Salford, England

The BBC announced today that BBC Sports Personality Of The Year will return to Birmingham in 2010, taking place at the LG Arena Birmingham on Sunday 19 December. The event will be covered live on BBC One and 5 Live.

Last year over 10,000 people were able to view the show live in Sheffield, with tickets selling out in a few days. The move to the LG Arena in Birmingham, with its increased capacity, will allow even greater numbers to experience the unique atmosphere of the live event. Birmingham’s rich sporting heritage also makes it the perfect host city from which to celebrate what will be an amazing year of sport that includes the World Cup, Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Presented by Sue Barker, Gary Lineker and Jake Humphrey, Sports Personality Of The Year will this year be held on 19 December, a week later than the traditional date. It will also coincide with a great weekend of BBC programming to kick off the Christmas season.

Barbara Slater, Director of Sport, said: “It will be great to bring the event back to Birmingham and to be able to offer so many people the chance to be part of the celebrations. Sports Personality Of The Year is such a great platform to celebrate the very best in sport and this is a great sporting area of the UK. We’ve had such a good reception when we have been here before, and we’re delighted that two local past winners are able to join us today to help launch the event.”

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Mike Whitby, said: “We are delighted to welcome the national Sports Personality Of The Year awards back to Birmingham. We were the first city outside of the capital to host this prestigious awards ceremony and with around 10m people watching the awards it provides a great showcase for us.

Given that Birmingham has hosted more major sporting championships than any other European city, and will be welcoming the US and Jamaican Track and Field teams in 2012, it is fitting that these awards are returning to the UK’s sporting city.”

Programme, ticket and voting details will be announced nearer the time. Tickets for the Sports Personality Of The Year will go on sale from September from The Ticket Factory.

8.00pm Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 May BBC ONE

A flash flood causes havoc at Holby City in a special two-part episode of the medical drama.

A flash flood hits South West England and Holby City is inundated with patients, in the first of a special two-part episode of the medical drama. The basement of Holby is at risk of flooding and the mains power is cut out. While Connie and Joseph operate on Elaine, and other theatres are being used, the back-up generator fails.

Four World War Two veterans saved from the beaches of Dunkirk have retraced their journey for a new BBC South East documentary Dunkirk: A Miracle Of Deliverance, on Sunday 23 May on BBC One South East, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the dramatic rescue.

Kent resident Brenda Blethyn joins Richard Samson from Sandwich, Jon Port of Maidstone and lifelong best friends Joe Clark from Ticehurst (East Sussex) and Lewis Earl of Rusington (West Sussex) as they relive one of the most extraordinary events of the war in Dunkirk: A Miracle Of Deliverance.

Operation Dynamo, as the Dunkirk mission was known, saw more than 300, 000 allied troops rescued as the ‘phoney’ war ended and the Allied Armies experienced the full might of the German invasion force driving them back to the beaches of northern France.

With tragedy looming on a vast scale, a huge fleet of vessels left the shores of the South East to save the trapped soldiers. Among them were tiny tugs, barges and lifeboats – little ships that helped change the course of the war and all taking part in what Sir Winston Churchill called a “miracle of deliverance”.

In this moving half-hour documentary, to be broadcast on BBC One in the South East on Sunday 23 May at 2pm, the Kent and Sussex veterans share their stories against a backdrop of archive and little-seen footage of the mission.

Accompanied by Brenda, who was born in Ramsgate from where the little ships sailed, they make the trip back across the channel to remember those who were not so fortunate.

Paying tribute to the veterans, the oldest of whom is 93, and explaining her decision to get involved Brenda said: “These four gentlemen are absolutely inspiring. With Joe and Lewis the camaraderie between them is heartening, they were in the boy scouts together, went to war together and are still lifelong friends.

“But they are also very aware of how fortunate they were to be rescued at the time. And they carry guilt that they survived and others didn’t.

“Growing up in Ramsgate I was aware of the Dunkirk mission but I did not understand the full implications of it. It has been incredibly stirring, hearing stories of the generosity and bravery of those involved in the flotilla of small boats. These were people coming together with no vested interest at all, just to help others in peril. The whole endeavour showed great human spirit. The experience has been incredibly moving.”

Dunkirk: A Miracle of Deliverance marks the start of BBC South East Today’s coverage commemorating the mission and the contributions made by people from across the South East in the week up to the 70th Anniversary.

Combining specially created films by South East Today’s Robin Gibson, Polly Evans and Sara Smith and outside broadcasts from Ramsgate, Dover and Dunkirk, the team will tell the stories of the ‘little ships’, explain the central role of Dover Castle and look at how the mission has been celebrated on film, across the week from Monday 24 May, at 6.30pm on BBC One.

They will also bring viewers coverage of the 70th Anniversary Memorial Service from Dunkirk on Saturday 29 May.

Steph Fearon’s West End dream is over as she becomes the eighth contestant to be eliminated from BBC One’s Over The Rainbow.

In yesterday’s live show, all four remaining Dorothy finalists performed solo renditions of pop songs to show viewers that they have the singing skill and sheer charisma to carry one of the most challenging roles in musical theatre. After a public vote during the live Saturday night show, Lauren and Steph were revealed to be the least popular Dorothys and Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to save Lauren, so Steph became the eighth Dorothy to leave the competition.

After performing their songs and receiving feedback from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the expert panel of Sheila Hancock, Charlotte Church and John Partridge, the Dorothys faced a nervous wait for viewers to cast their votes.

On Steph’s performance John said: “I’ve always said I’m looking for a triple threat, and of all the girls left you are definitely that girl. You came to your first audition with a flower on your face for luck. It takes more than luck to make it in this industry, it takes talent and a break. You’ve got the talent and I hope that the public give you a break.”

Charlotte said: “Outstanding vocal performance… it was a man’s song and a classic – so hard to bring something new to it. I love the colour of your voice in the lower register, it could be great for Dorothy.”

Sheila added: “Great – as far as the lyrics go, I don’t know what it all means, but you made it sound like something.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “You did very well with a difficult song, a pop song. I would have played it a bit more innocently as that’s what we are looking for with Dorothy.”

Before announcing who was in the bottom two, Graham asked each panel member who “wasn’t Dorothy”. The panel were united in their decision, all three saying “Steph.”

Steph and Lauren gained the least amount of public votes, and had to sing a rendition of Another Suitcase In Another Hall from Evita. Then it was up to Andrew Lloyd Webber alone to choose which Dorothy should be saved for another performance.

Andrew said: “I’m glad it’s the last time I have to make this decision. I know you all so well now, it’s like family. I feel dreadful that I have to take a decision on who is best for Dorothy. I’m going to save Lauren.”

On hearing the announcement, Steph said: “I had the best time of my life. I’ve made friends for life. I’ve learnt so much. Thanks to everyone backstage – you’re all amazing. I’ve had the time of my life.”

Now left in the running for the role of Dorothy are: Lauren Samuels, Danielle Hope and Sophie Evans. The three remaining hopefuls will go on to next week’s final, when the nation alone will decide who will be Dorothy.

12.10pm Sunday 16 May on BBC ONE and BBC THREE

Hopes will be high for a third British win in succession as Jake Humphrey presents live coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most glamorous events in the sporting calendar (Qualifying can be seen on Saturday).

Christopher Eccleston (Lennon Naked, Doctor Who) and Mackenzie Crook (Pirates Of The Caribbean) are to star in new BBC One six-part drama Accused, by Jimmy McGovern.

Christopher Eccleston and Mackenzie Crook play the leading characters in the first two episodes of Accused; separate stories which open as an ordinary individual is led to the dock to hear his fate.

As each hour-long episode unravels we learn how each man came to be there. But on reflection should they be the accused? Are they innocent or guilty or somewhere in between? And will the jury make the right judgement?

RSJ Films, the independent television and film drama production company founded in August 2009 by Jimmy McGovern, Sita Williams and Roxy Spencer, the creative team responsible for the multi-award winning BBC One hit The Street, begins filming Accused, an unflinching contemporary six-part drama, this month.

Jimmy McGovern says: “In the time it takes to climb the steps to the court we tell the story of how the accused came to be here. We see the crime and we see the punishment. Nothing else. No police procedure, thanks very much, no coppers striding along corridors with coats flapping. Just crime and punishment – the two things that matter most in any crime drama.

“It’s great to work with Chris again and I’ve often tried in the past to get Mackenzie into something of mine. And needless to say, it’s wonderful to reunite the team that made The Street.”

Polly Hill, BBC Commissioning Editor, says: “After three wonderful, award-winning series of The Street, we are thrilled the same team are making Accused for BBC One. The first commission for RSJ Films, Jimmy McGovern, Sita Williams and Roxy Spencer, together with David Blair, continue to make drama that is relevent, challenging and above all moving. I’m sure this will prove to be a real treat for the BBC One audience.”

Accused was commissioned by BBC One Controller Jay Hunt, and Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama Commissioning, and is executive produced for the BBC by Polly Hill, Commissioning Editor, Independent Drama. Sita Williams is the producer and executive producer for RSJ Films.

Christopher Eccleston stars as a man in turmoil in Willy’s Story by Jimmy McGovern, which starts filming on 30 May. Lapsed Catholic Willy does his best; he’s a good plumber and a loving father, but he fails to be a faithful husband.

Just when Willy is about to confess to his wife Carmel, played by Pooky Quesnel, his daughter announces she’s getting married. Willy’s guilty secret must wait while pressure from all sides keeps growing. He is about to implode when he finds something in the back of a cab and it’s either the answer to his prayers or the beginning of his downfall…

Mackenzie Crook stars as Buckley, a soldier’s soldier – a man you need on your side if you are to survive. The Soldier Story is written by Jimmy McGovern and begins filming on 10 May.

Newcomers Benjamin Smith and Ben Batt play Frankie Nash and Peter McShane respectively, two friends who join the British army. Soon they are on the frontline in Afghanistan where they learn that not obeying orders has deadly consequences, and that the enemy are not necessarily who you think they are. Robert Pugh plays Peter McShane Senior, an army veteran who is proud to have a son in the military keeping the family tradition alive.

A further four episodes of Accused film in and around Manchester until the end of August this year and further casting will be announced shortly.

The directors are David Blair (The Street), (eps 1, 2, 5 & 6) and Richard Laxton (An Englishman In New York), (eps 3 & 4).