A new documentary with exclusive access behind the walls of Durham Prison has been announced as part of a fresh slate of documentaries on Channel 4.

Others include Carry on Brussels a series that steps into the curious world of the Brussels bubble and features an eclectic group of MEPs from across the political spectrum, as they buckle up for the ride of their lives on the Brexit roller coaster. The Foreign Doctors are Coming charts the stories of four doctors from India, Brazil and Egypt as they take the series of exams required to prove they are up to the standard required by our health service. Whilst Alton Towers (working title) goes behind the scenes at the attraction, the UK’s biggest theme park as they launch their multi-million pound new rollercoaster, Wickerman and A Very British Country House will capture the day-to-day life both front of house and behind the scenes of Cliveden House, a Grade 1 listed luxurious hotel House

All will offer a fascinating insight into a side to organisations and operations that most people never get to see. These follow the recent success of 24 Hours in Police Custody, First Dates and My baby’s Life: Who Decides?. The new slate of documentaries reinforces Channel 4’s reputation for bold programming featuring extraordinary stories found even within the everyday.

Prisons
Filmed over six months, the series by Spring Films takes a multi-faceted look at the prison system during a period of significant challenge and reform focusing on the day-to-day lives of prisoners and staff.

Operating at maximum capacity with just over a 1000 male prisoners, Durham Prison is one of the oldest and busiest prisons in the UK. New prisoners arrive daily with complex medical, emotional and health needs, all of which need to be assessed and catered for. With every cell and every bed occupied, every day prison officers are fighting a war against drugs and smuggled mobile phones.

Produced and directed by Paddy Wivell, whose previous work includes Extremely British Muslims, The Tribe and Bedlam, the series promises a rare snapshot of the challenges of life inside a prison.

Commissioning Editor: Nick Mirksy
Producer/Director: Paddy Wivell
Exec Prod: Kathy Myers and Richard Melman
Prod Co: Spring Films

Carry on Brussels
Stepping into the curious world of the Brussels bubble, this three-part series follows an eclectic group of MEPs from across the political spectrum, as they buckle up for the ride of their lives on the Brexit roller coaster. Focussing on the personal over the political, the series offers unrivalled access to the inner workings of the European Parliament at one of the most historically significant times of its existence. Filmed over a year, the series charts the battles and the brawls, the tears, tantrums and tactics of some of Britain’s most maligned and misunderstood public servants in these most turbulent of times.

Commissioning Editor: Nick Mirsky
Series Producer and Director: Christian Trumble
Executive Producers: Jane Merkin and Denman Rooke
Prod Co: October Films and Trumble Films

The Foreign Doctors are Coming
With an ever-growing shortage of doctors in the NHS, this one-hour documentary follows the stories of four doctors from India, Brazil and Egypt as they take the series of exams required to prove they are up to the standard required by our health service. Filmed over 11 months, the film follows the foreign doctors as they prepare for the all-important exam – their passport to a medical career in Britain. The prospect of living and working in the UK could transform their lives, but taking the exam comes at a risk. Many are spending thousands on travel, accommodation, the course and test, and leaving family behind. With the stakes so high, the doctors are under extreme pressure to succeed

Commissioning Editor: Michelle Chappell
Producer/Director: Andrew Dedman
Executive Producer: Sarah Murch
Prod Co: Blakeway North
Alton Towers (title TBC)

A one off documentary will go behind the scenes at Alton Towers, the UK’s biggest theme park as they launch their multi-million pound new rollercoaster, Wickerman. Eagerly awaited by rollercoaster enthusiasts as the first wooden rollercoaster in 21 years with a structure that appears to set on fire, this is also Alton Tower’s first new ride since The Smiler accident in 2015. We follow the team at Alton Towers as they work around the clock getting Wickerman ready for the big launch when the park re-opens this March.

Commissioning Editor: Charlotte Desai
Producer/Director: Michael Ogden
Executive Producer: Katie Buchanan
Prod Co: Films of the Record

A Very British Country House (working title)
The 3 x 60 minute series will follow the day-to-day life both front of house and behind the scenes of Cliveden House, a Grade 1 listed luxurious hotel set in 376 acres of National Trust grounds in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. It will feature the staff whose job it is to bring five-star service to Cliveden’s national and international clientele, and will feature some of the hotels most glamorous events of the year.

Commissioning Editor: Nick Mirsky
Series Director: Natalie Walter (24 hours in Custody )
Series Producer: Sara Evans (Hospital)
Executive Producer: Alice Keens-Soper
Prod Co: Oxford Scientific Films