BBC1 shows Faith in UK-wide launch

Keeping Faith was ordered by BBC1 Wales and Welsh-language network S4C

BBC Wales’ drama Keeping Faith is to air across the UK on the pubcaster’s flagship channel BBC1 after becoming the most popular non-network show on its VoD service iPlayer.

More than 9.5 million requests to view the eight-part series, known locally as Un Bore Mercher, have been made via iPlayer. The show became available on the service after it aired on commissioning duo BBC1 Wales and Welsh-language network S4C.

Almost 300,000 people in Wales watched each of the weekly episodes on the pubcaster’s regional channel, the highest audience for a non-network drama shown in Wales for more than 20 years.

It was produced by Vox Pictures and directed by Pip Broughton, with Matthew Hall writing. London-based producer and financier Nevision helped to fund the series. It will be the first drama from the two broadcasters to air on BBC1 across the UK. About Premium Content inked the deal bringing the show to BBC1.

The plot follows a lawyer, wife and mother who is drawn into a mystery when her husband and business partner vanishes, leading to an investigation that uncovers secrets about his life.

Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Wales, said the success of the show could “be directly linked” to increased investment in English-language programming at the Welsh operator, which he said had been “a total game-changer.”