Mar 18, 2026 | While exploring the BBC’s written archives for research on the Beatles, an unexpected discovery revealed a hidden chapter of history. A file titled “Sexual Offences 1953–1954” opened a window into the BBC’s internal debates about homosexuality in the early 1950s, how it was understood, discussed, and ultimately suppressed.
At a time when information on homosexuality was scarce, the BBC considered producing a groundbreaking program on the subject. Despite internal support, the broadcast was vetoed by Director-General Ian Jacob, leaving this story buried for decades.
This forgotten history inspired The BBC’s First Homosexual, a powerful stage production that explores the corporation’s attempt to document male homosexuality and its wider social impact. Blending fact with fiction, playwright Stephen Hornby weaves together the real struggles behind the broadcast with a moving story of a young man coming to terms with his identity in 1950s Britain.
Now concluding its UK tour at the Sir Robert Martin Theatre, the production has resonated deeply with audiences. Viewers have reflected on how attitudes have changed over time, while also drawing parallels with the continued challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities around the world. With moving performances and powerful storytelling, this production highlights both how far society has come, and how much further there is to go.
Jun 8, 2026 | In Iran, homosexuality is banned and punishable by execution under its strict code of sharia, or Islamic law. In a country dominated by the religious class, being gay is taboo, and especially among the establishment. One Iranian gay cleric, who conducted gay weddings in secret, was forced to flee the country, and has been threatened with death. BBC Persian's Ali Hamedani reports. Video Journalist: Kelvin Brown
Apr 12, 2021 | Profile of Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, known as the White Rose of Athens and one of the best-selling female artists of all time. The documentary features a revealing interview with Nana herself, rare archive footage and interviews with family and friends including Harry Belafonte, Julio Iglesias and Charles Aznavour.
Mar 19, 2020 | A 1991 film "Purple Triangles" was aired on BBC and depicts the plight of Jehovah's Witness religious group during the Nazi regime. When thrown into concentration camps they were identified with the Purple Triangle which were sewn on their uniform to identify their religion.
Scotland is coming out of the European Union with the rest of the UK. That's despite the fact Scots voted to remain. So what happens next?
Allan Little travels to the coast and whisky-producing glens of Moray, the part of the country which came closest to voting Leave. There, he finds out what that decision could mean for workers and business owners.
But there's a bigger question: what will it mean for the other union, that of the United Kingdom? Europe: Scotland's Dilemma asks whether Brexit could break up Britain too.
Is ageing a disease? One that can be 'cured'? BBC's Gabriela Torres meets the self-experimenters and scientists who are trying to dramatically extend our lives.
Award-winning director Patrick Forbes goes beyond the headlines to film the bitter battle to govern Britain after 2016's referendum vote. Filmed over one extraordinary year, it's a story of low politics, high ambition and bitter personal animosities - at stake the biggest decision the UK has taken for decades. Can the prime minister tame the judges, the opposition and finally the public to deliver Brexit? One thing everyone involved agrees on, get this wrong and, 'we will see another even bigger seismic change in this country's politics'.
BBC Presenter-Reporter Amandeep Bhangu | Current Affairs Documentary | Broadcast internationally | The UAE is often thought of in terms of oil wealth and conspicuous consumption. But the new name of the game is economic and cultural diversification. So is it really changing? Amandeep Bhangu examines by interviewing Emiratis and expats who work in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
A look at how prison populations all over the country are being converted to Islam, and the actions of the radical sect Nation of Islam which preaches that Allah will destroy America.
Panorama BBC 2016 documentary. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are two of the most controversial and distrusted presidential candidates ever. As the election approaches, Jeremy Paxman travels to Washington and beyond to understand how America's great democracy has come to face such an unpopular choice. From a life-size naked effigy of Donald Trump, to the stage of Avenue Q and the corridors of power, Jeremy meets political insiders and voters on both sides of the gaping political divide, and casts his unsparing eye over a nation preparing for a historic election.
