ITV confirms ‘Fresh Cuts’ marking Black History Month 2023

ITV today confirmed feature-documentaries and bespoke content that will air on ITV1 and stream on ITVX next month as part Black History Month programming. As announced in April, the Fresh Cuts directors of 2023; Jordan Thomas, Salomé-Dior Williams, Jessicah North, and Archie Onobu will all be debuting documentary features, alongside a one-off interview segment promoting Black talent in the TV industry.

1st October on ITVX and ITV1

OUR NHS with Dr Zoe Williams (Archie Onobu)

Dr Zoe celebrates 75 years of the NHS by meeting four pioneering black doctors shaking up the world of medicine. She meets doctors who use social media, create ground-breaking online resources and use innovative methods to inspire the next generation of black doctors. The film also hears from an illustrious cast of veteran NHS doctors with stories of the contribution of black doctors since the inception of the NHS until today.

1st October on ITVX, 8th October on ITV1

Black Boys Can Cry with Alex Beresford (Jessicah North)

Alex Beresford, goes on a journey that he hopes will help him understand why the suicide of his best friend, Martin, was part of a shocking statistic that sees Black men are far more likely to suffer from a severe mental health issue than others.

Alex meets mental health experts and a wide range of Black men to get to the root of the problem. Hoping ultimately to learn how being Black, male and British can be damaging to a person's mental health and what is being done to find solutions.

1st October on ITVX, 15th October on ITV1

Black In Fashion (Salomé Dior-Williams)

Exploring the contribution of Black culture and design on mainstream British fashion, from the street, to the club,to the catwalk. The film follows the UK’s first Black Fashion Gala, GUAP, as they attempt to put on a first of its kind show at the iconic Natural History Museum. An illustrious list of fashion insiders, designers and stylists give context and explain how Black Fashion is British Fashion. Narrated by Radio 1xtra's Remi Burgz.

1st October on ITVX, 22nd October on ITV1

For Crown and Country (Jordan Thomas)

Ex Marine, Ben McBean, goes on a journey to celebrate the contribution of black military heroes from the past, whilst also trying to understand why his Army experience was so different to some of those that went before him. Ben was called a hero after suffering life changing injuries in Afghanistan, but he wants to know why other black servicemen and women from across the ages have never been truly recognised.

Breaking Through

October will also see the launch of Breaking Through (directed by Joel Duncan), a special one off panel show celebrating Black British actors in the TV industry. Through their conversation with presenter Zeze Millz, we will hear from three Black actors, Adjoa Andoh, Ruby Barker and Channique Sterling Brown as they discuss their personal experiences and challenges, their journey to success as well as sharing valuable insights about the industry.