The This Country star will investigate winter solstice celebrations

BBC Three has ordered a festive special of Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country, from Fremantle label Naked West.

In Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country: Winter Solstice, the This Country actor and co-writer will escape the modern Christmas to explore the country’s Pagan past, looking at alternative winter festivals from barrel burning in Devon to Morris dancing in Gloucestershire, and gaining a deeper understanding of the winter solstice celebration.

The 1 x 30’ episode was commissioned by Catherine Catton, senior head of commissioning and Nasfim Haque, head of content for BBC Three. The executive producers for Naked West are Tom O’Brien and John Comerford and series producer/director is Rob Gill. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Patrick McMahon.

Cooper said: “I’m thrilled that the BBC cameras will follow me again as I explore our wonderful, wild and sometimes hair-raising winter festivals, which for centuries have brightened up the darker months.”

O’Brien added: “Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country immediately connected with a large and engaged audience on the BBC. We’re excited to bring it back for another look at a special moment in the year’s calendar – one steeped in lore, tradition and storytelling. Charlie will continue to feed his passion for the weird and the wonderful.”