Sir David Attenborough will narrate the new series of ‘Blue Planet’ this year.
‘Planet Earth II’ – also narrated by the legendary presenter – went down a storm when it hit screens last year, a decade after the first was aired in 2006, and now the BBC are keen to create a similar success with a seven-episode installment based on marine life after the original ‘Blue Planet’ was broadcast six years ago.
David said: "I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known."
The 90-year-old naturalist – who is known for his soothing vocals – will provide the voiceovers for the footage, which was filmed over four years using new camera technology and techniques, when the series airs on BBC1 later this year.
The new-and-improved technology allowed the camera crew to film predatory fish and dolphins front on as well as get up close to whale sharks and orcas.
The crew also used two unmanned submersibles, which allowed them to record footage from 1,000 metres under the Antarctic Ocean, to capture footage of never-before filmed creatures, including hairy-chested Hoff crabs, snub fin dolphins that spit water, and a tool-using tusk fish.
The executive producer James Honeyborne said: "New scientific discoveries have given us a new perspective of life beneath the waves. ‘Blue Planet II’ is taking its cue from these breakthroughs, unveiling unbelievable new places, extraordinary new behaviours and remarkable new creatures.
"Showing a contemporary portrait of marine life, it will provide a timely reminder that this is a critical moment for the health of the world’s oceans."
Sir David Attenborough to narrate Blue Planet II
