Two Scottish favourites to return to our screens

STV has commissioned new series of two popular programmes The People’s History Show and Animal 999.

These programmes have been recommisioned from independent production companies Up Next Studios and Demus Productions.

The People’s History Show is produced by Up Next Studios. Fronted by historian Fergus Sutherland and presenter Jennifer Reoch, the magazine show has been given a new-look and will continue to bring viewers features from across the country to discover the places and people that make up Scotland’s shared social history.

The new series will uncover fascinating stories from across the country including Aberdeenshire, Paisley, Irvine, Cumbernauld and Shetland and will explore a host of fascinating events, places and personalities from Scotland’s past, such as the rags to riches tale of Bertie Forbes – founder of Forbes magazine – as well as uncovering more about the man after whom the famous Dinnie stones are named.

The STV-owned format has proved popular with STV viewers with the most recent series reaching 1.3 million people. Recording of the new episodes is already underway.

STV favourite Animal 999 will also return to the channel providing more compelling insights into the fantastic work carried out by Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity, Scottish SPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), to protect and care for thousands of domestic, farm and wild animals every year.

STV has commisisioned another series of The People’s History Show, presented by Fergus Sutherland and Jennifer Reoch

As the number of call outs and incidents rise, the work of the SSPCA has never been more vital. The organisation again opens its doors for STV’s cameras for viewers to follow the dedicated work of its inspectors, rescue officers and rehoming teams as work hard to save and care for abused, abandoned and injured animals across Scotland’s diverse regions. The most recent series of Animal 999 reached 1.2 million people. Animal 999 is produced by Demus Productions

Both series have been commissioned by STV’s director of programme strategy and marketing, Stephen O’Donnell.

Stephen said: ‘Both The People’s History Show and Animal 999 have an enduring appeal with STV viewers who can expect some truly fascinating stories in the new series. Our investment in new programming comes as part of STV’s growth strategy to be Scotland’s home of news and entertainment.’

Alan Forbes, Up Next Studios, said: ‘We’re delighted to be producing Scotland’s most popular history series. We can’t wait to tell viewers more fascinating stories from all over the country.’

Nick Low, Demus Productions added: ‘For series seven of Animal 999, we are delighted to be back on the road with the dedicated staff of the Scottish SPCA capturing their incredible work rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and rehoming animals all over Scotland. We never fail to be impressed by their hard work and already we’ve filmed some terrific success stories for this new series.’