Channel 4’s Specialist Factual has commissioned a 4 x 60 series from Tern Television in which Jeremy Paxman travels the length of four of the UK's greatest rivers. In each episode Jeremy will embark on a journey along a different river - The Tweed, The Mersey, The Severn and The Thames.

Along the way he'll tell their story, explore the landscapes they've created and meet the people whose lives have been - and are still being - shaped by them. Along the river banks he meets baby ospreys, finds Merlin’s grave, shears Cheviot sheep, goes electro-fishing for brown trout, scales the Severn Bridge, swims with the ‘Mersey Mermaids’, crews up a container ship, joins a punting regatta on the Thames, goes mud-horse fishing for prawns, races coracles, explores a live nuclear reactor and goes fishing without much success… 

Each episode will highlight the rivers' outstanding natural beauty with stunning drone photography and explore both their history and their future.

John Hay, Head of Specialist Factual said: "Jeremy has long inflicted his enthusiasm for fishing on those of us who know and work with him, so I'm delighted to see him turn it to such positive effect at last. It's a real pleasure to see him in his natural habitat, and his boyish curiosity about our rivers and the lives they shape make him a perfect companion for the journey."

For further information:

Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual : John Hay

Production company: Tern Television

Executive Producers: Harry Bell