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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland launches a new season of programmes this autumn, with a broad range of stories that reflect life in the region and issues of interest and importance to local audiences.

Ailsa Orr, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland's Head of Programmes, said: "This autumn we are offering our audiences a wide range of new factual programmes, original new series and returning entertainment and comedy output. We believe these programmes reflect the people, their real life stories, the history and humour, the issues and themes which are relevant to Northern Ireland.

"Some of the highlights include Slim Chance: Fix My Family, a new six-part reality series following the trials and tribulations of a group of families as they undergo a gruelling but potentially life-changing experiment to lose weight and overhaul their lifestyles. ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One Northern Ireland will also broadcast a number of single films reflecting on and telling the stories of significant events in our recent history; some of which had impact beyond Northern Ireland.

"At The Crossroads meets four of the mothers and daughters who were caught up in the events of the Holy Cross protest 10 years after it shocked the world. Bombs Bullets And Business As Usual tells the story of the world's most bombed hotel, the Europa in Belfast, with testimonies from journalists like Anne Robinson and John Sergeant who 'all but lived' there during the Troubles.

"Film-maker Alison Millar goes to the Shankill Road to explore the lives and times of The Men Who Won't Stop Marching. For four months she joined the men of the marching bands and in particular spent time with Jordan, an 11-year-old aspiring drummer from one of the families on the estate.

"Bloody Sunday: The Long Wait tells the emotional inside story of the events that led up to the findings of the Saville Report, the multi-million pound inquiry into Bloody Sunday which concluded on June 15, 2010; and Hume is the latest in a series of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland documentaries describing the careers of key political figures in Northern Ireland, with exclusive access to John Hume.

"Later in the autumn we are also delighted to announce the return of Sketchy, starring stand-up comedian and actor Diarmuid Corr and The David Meade Project, where the incredible mentalist unleashes more tricks on the unsuspecting public. Out Of The Blue is a new eight-part series taking a look at contemporaneous arts in Northern Ireland challenging the conventional view of what an arts series should be, with presenters Graham Little and Joanne Salley and a team of five reporters travelling all over Northern Ireland to uncover the stories of the people who ensure our leisure time is as enjoyable and varied as it can be.

"Across the rest of our output ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland continues in our commitment to Irish Language and Ulster-Scots programming with several new series for autumn, while sports fans can look forward to some great local action. The new season also sees the return of the multi-award-winning Spotlight and Spotlight Special.

"We hope this wide variety of programmes will offer something for everyone, concluding a great year of television on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland."

CC