BBC2 charts rise of celebrity culture

BBC2 in the UK has commissioned a four-part documentary series charting the explosion in the cult of celebrity over the past two decades.

Clare Sillery

Celebrity: A 21st Century Story (4×60’) is being produced by the Documentary Unit at the UK pubcaster’s commercial and production arm, BBC Studios.

The first episode will premiere on BBC2 at 21.00 on Tuesday December 29 and the series will follow the cultural phenomenon from the early days of reality television, through the rise in social media stars to the present day celebrity politicians.

It was commissioned by Patrick Holland, controller of BBC2, and Clare Sillery, head of commissioning for documentaries, history and religion. The commissioning editor is Abigail Priddle and the exec producer is Francesca Maudslay.