• BBC commissions Buried (w/t), a two-part factual series fronted by Michael Sheen.
  • The show investigates claims of ‘forever chemicals’ buried near farms and communities in South Wales.
  • The series builds on the Smoke Trail podcast Buried: The Last Witness and involves forensic scientists, journalists and affected families.

Michael Sheen returns to a story close to home

BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales have commissioned Buried (w/t), a two-part unscripted series following actor Michael Sheen as he investigates claims that long-lasting industrial chemicals were dumped in parts of South Wales. The series, produced in partnership with the Open University, is co-produced by Wall to Wall and Smoke Trail Productions and will air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.

Michael Sheen in South Wales countryside

Why this story matters

Sheen’s interest in the investigation is personal. Almost a decade ago he met Douglas Gowan, a researcher and whistleblower who warned that so-called ‘forever chemicals’ had been buried near local farms and communities. Gowan died before his concerns were widely addressed. The new series sets out to test whether his warnings were justified and to examine how potential contamination could have been buried for so long.

Who appears in the series

Buried brings together families from affected areas, local councillors, environmental investigative journalists, forensic scientists and medical experts. The programme follows lines of inquiry established in Smoke Trail’s podcast Buried: The Last Witness for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, aiming to connect personal testimony with scientific and regulatory evidence.

Production and broadcast details

The series was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual, and Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. Commissioning editors include Tom Coveney (Head of Commissioning, Science) and Julian Carey for BBC Cymru Wales. Michael Fraser is executive producer for Wall to Wall, with Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor for Smoke Trail Productions. Jacci Parry is series producer and Mags Gavan directs.

Statements from the team

Michael Sheen said: “In this series, we try to uncover the truth about what is beneath our feet, hear from the communities affected, and understand how something so insidious could stay buried for so long.”

Jack Bootle added that the programme offers a unique opportunity to spark national conversation about the possible impact of ‘forever chemicals’. Nick Andrews described the investigation as “hugely important” and said it would build on the award-winning podcast to reveal findings that may shock viewers.

Where to watch

Buried (w/t) will be available on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer. The series aims to combine investigative journalism with scientific analysis to determine whether historical dumping caused lasting harm to people and the environment in South Wales.

For further media enquiries, the original BBC media release lists press contacts provided by the broadcaster and production companies.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2026/factual-series-with-michael-sheen-announced