Michael Sheen is set to lead a new BBC documentary that will delve into claims of chemical contamination in South Wales, the area where he was raised. The two-part series, titled Buried (working title), is co-produced by Wall to Wall and Smoke Trail Productions. Sheen described the documentary as a deeply personal project, stating, “This is a story that has troubled Wales for decades.”
The documentary will explore the alarming findings of researcher and whistleblower Douglas Gowan, who raised concerns nearly a decade ago about the presence of “forever chemicals” in the land surrounding local farms and communities. Gowan feared that the disposal of these chemicals could have long-lasting effects on the health of the Welsh population, but he passed away before his warnings gained wider attention. Sheen aims to uncover the truth behind Gowan’s claims and assess their validity.
Investigating Toxic Legacies
Throughout the series, Sheen will interact with families living in affected areas, local councillors, investigative journalists, forensic scientists, and medical professionals. Each will contribute their insights into the region’s toxic history and its implications for the present and future. “I first met Douglas Gowan nearly ten years ago, and his warnings about these chemicals stayed with me,” Sheen remarked. “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.”
The documentary underscores Sheen’s commitment to his native Wales. In recent years, he has taken significant steps to support his community, including self-financing a new national theatre to fill the gap left by the planned closure of National Theatre Wales in 2024. Furthermore, he has forgiven £1 million (approximately $1.29 million) in debt for 900 individuals, using £100,000 (around $129,000) of his personal funds. This initiative was highlighted in the Channel 4 documentary Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway.
Production Details and Broadcast Plans
The series Buried is commissioned by Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual programming, alongside Nick Andrews, who oversees commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. The production team includes Michael Fraser as the executive producer for Wall to Wall, with Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor from Smoke Trail Productions. The series producer is Jacci Parry, and it is directed by Mags Gavan.
Building on the success of Smoke Trail’s podcast also titled Buried, the documentary is set to air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer. This initiative not only seeks to educate the public about the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface but also aims to foster a sense of responsibility towards the future of affected communities in Wales.
