Guz Khan takes a swing at MMA as BBC unveils religion and ethics content

Ricochet’s Guz Does… MMA sees the comic investigate the connection between faith and fighting

Celebrity-led combat sports special Guz Does… MMA (working title) headlines UK public service broadcaster the BBC’s slate of religion and ethics programmes for the autumn and into 2027.

Produced by Ricochet for BBC One, BBC Three and iPlayer, the 1×60’ show sees comedian Guz Khan don boxing gloves to immerse himself in mixed martial arts. He also meets Muslim MMA fighters and tries to understand the connection between faith and fighting.

The roster also includes Young, British & Trad Wife (1×60’, Firecrest Films), featuring documentarian Poppy Jay. The doc sees her meet the women who have embraced a return to patriarchal gender roles and traditional values.

Amritsar – Siege at the Temple (wt, 1×90’, Rogan Scotland), meanwhile, is about the Indian army’s 1984 assault on the Golden Temple complex, the holiest site of the Sikh faith.

Songs of Praise, believed to be one of the longest-running religious series in the world, will celebrate its 65th birthday with a special episode on September 27, while vocal talent content Young Chorister of the Year returns with presenter Aled Jones and Rev Kate Bottley.

Finally, My Religion is a new collection of 25 child-led films for primary schools exploring how religion, belief and identity shape everyday life.

They join the BBC’s previously announced four-part series about the life of Jesus Christ, produced by Wonderhood Studios.

Daisy Scalchi, head of commissioning, religion and ethics, TV, said: “The new season of religious programming affirms the BBC’s commitment to religious programming, bringing together different views, respectful discussion and celebrating the joy and invitation at the heart of many of the UK’s faith traditions.”