Actor Michael Sheen is poised to take the lead in a compelling new BBC series titled “Buried,” which aims to investigate allegations of chemical contamination in the area where he spent his formative years in South Wales.
The 56-year-old Welsh actor is recognized for his portrayals of real-life figures, such as journalist Sir David Frost in “Frost/Nixon” and TV host Chris Tarrant in ITV’s “Quiz.” In “Buried,” a two-part factual series, Sheen will delve into the alarming findings of Douglas Gowan, who uncovered dangerously high levels of a toxic chemical leaking from a landfill adjacent to local agricultural land.
This new series is inspired by the award-winning BBC Radio 4 podcast “Buried: The Last Witness.” Gowan’s investigations revealed the presence of poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a fire-retardant chemical that is believed to be non-biodegradable and detrimental to the local food chain.
Sheen first connected with Gowan in 2017 after reading about his discoveries. Gowan passed away in 2018, but his confidential documents were later made available to the BBC and utilized in the podcast.
In the forthcoming series, Sheen will revisit Gowan’s work and interact with those in impacted communities, including local officials, medical professionals, forensic scientists, and investigative journalists, as he aims to gain insight into the area’s troubled history.
“This is a story that has troubled Wales for decades, and for me, it’s deeply personal,” Sheen commented. “I first met Douglas Gowan nearly 10 years ago, and his warnings about these chemicals stayed with me. 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.”
Sheen, who gained widespread acclaim for his role as the angel Aziraphale in “Good Omens,” hails from Port Talbot in South Wales. He emphasized that the series will seek to discover the truth regarding chemical contamination in the region.
The series has been commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales, with production handled by Wall To Wall and Smoke Trail Productions. Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, described it as a vital series, highlighting Sheen’s profound connection to the subject matter.
Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual at the BBC, noted that the issue of “forever chemicals” is gaining increasing recognition across the UK. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Sheen, who is deeply invested in this critical environmental story, which promises to engage and inform viewers.
“Buried” will air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer, with more details expected soon. The series holds the potential to spark important discussions surrounding environmental responsibility and community impact, shedding light on a pressing issue that resonates far beyond Wales.