Dermot O’Leary, the well-known television presenter, will be uncovering the untold heroic efforts of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crews during World War II in a special episode of Saving Lives at Sea. This episode has been commissioned to commemorate the bicentenary of the RNLI in 2024.
The RNLI, in its 200-year history, has never faced a challenge as immense as during World War II. Their lifeboat crews were called to serve in the most treacherous conditions, and their bravery saved an incredible 6,376 lives. Dermot will be delving deep into some of the war’s most iconic and surprising stories, meeting remarkable characters from the RNLI’s past and present.
Growing up near the east coast of England, Dermot has always been a proud supporter of the RNLI. He acknowledges the constant and reassuring presence of the RNLI’s volunteers during his youth. As an ambassador for over 20 years, Dermot feels a deep gratitude towards the organisation. Being a history enthusiast, Dermot is excited to explore this lesser-known aspect of the RNLI’s history and understand how these lifeboat crews played a pivotal role in the war effort.
The special episode will see Dermot traveling to key wartime coastal locations and venturing out to sea, immersing himself in the decisive period of the RNLI’s history. He will listen to powerful first-hand testimonies from descendants of wartime crew members, uncover untold stories from local historians, and bring to life the extraordinary feats and the heroes behind them.
Clare Sillery, the BBC Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, expressed her delight in Dermot O’Leary’s involvement in this project. Saving Lives at Sea is one of the BBC’s most popular brands, and this special episode promises to be exceptional.
The Saving Lives at Sea WWII Special (w/t) 1×60 has been commissioned for BBC Two and iPlayer by Clare Sillery. The production is being handled by Blast by the Sea, with Sarah Spencer as the Executive Producer and David Mackay as the Series Producer. The BBC Commissioning Editor for the program is Anna Dickeson.
This upcoming episode of Saving Lives at Sea will undoubtedly shed light on the incredible courage and selflessness of the RNLI crews during World War II. It will honour their invaluable contributions and ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
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