Alison Hammond takes us on a histroy trip

Tuesday: Alison Hammond: Back to School; (ITV, 9pm)
Alison Hammond at Hampton Court PalaceAlison Hammond at Hampton Court Palace
Alison Hammond at Hampton Court Palace

October is Black History Month in Britain, and ITV isn’t letting it go by unmarked.

For a start, the channel is sending us on a field trip with a difference thanks to the documentary Alison Hammond: Back to School, which finds the presenter learning more about some overlooked aspects of British history.

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Later on tonight, we’ll also get the first episode of Sorry, I Didn’t Know, a panel show hosted by Jimmy Akingbola, who challenges teams captained by Chizzy Akudolu and Judi Love to answer questions on some untold stories and unsung heroes.

The season will then continue with Black Comedy Legends, a documentary that celebrates the work of everyone from Charlie Williams, arguably Britain’s first breakout black comedian, to rising star Micaela Coel, and looks at how programmes such as the much-loved Channel 4 sitcom Desmond’s and sketch show The Real McCoy helped to pave the way for future performers.

News presenter Charlene White is hosting Charlene and Friends, which will air on ITV and CITV. Aimed at young people, it uses discussions, animations and music to explore issues surrounding race.

ITV Hub is also getting in on the act, as well as featuring all the new commissions, it will also have updated programmes including the David Harewood-presented film In the Shadow of Mary Seacole and Martin Luther King by Trevor McDonald, alongside acclaimed documentary First Among Equals: The Laurie Cunningham Story.

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Satmohan Panesar, who has overseen commissioning for Black History Month, says: “We hope viewers will enjoy the incredible stories, wonderful entertainment and fascinating people they focus on as we look at Britain from a vital and different perspective and celebrate the contribution of black people to Britain’s story, our culture and our lives.”

Alison Hammond’s documentary is the perfect place for viewers to start, because, as anyone who has seen her previous TV work will know, the presenter’s enthusiasm tends to be infectious.

Alison first came to many viewers’ attention when she appeared on the third series of Big Brother. Even though she was the second housemate to be evicted, she clearly made a big impression on TV bosses and audiences alike, as she’s gone on to be one of the reality show’s most successful graduates. As well as This Morning, she’s appeared on Loose Women, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Strictly Come Dancing, and recently had a stint on Radio 2, sitting in for another reality TV veteran who captured the nation’s heart, Rylan Clark-Neal.

Now, she’s turning history presenter as she uncovers some untold stories and brings a new perspective to Britain’s past, concentrating on four eras that are often taught as part of the National curriculum – Roman, Tudor, Victorian and the First World War. It’s a journey that brings her into contact with historians, and also finds her digging through the archives and visiting some of Britain’s best-known historical sites, unearthing some remarkable achievements along the way.

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