BBC Studios for BBC
Scam Interceptors delivers on the BBC’s remit to inform, entertain and educate by catching scammers in the act and demonstrating the plethora of ways they hoodwink their marks. It also shows how people can avoid falling for these nefarious schemes.
One judge noted the growing prevalence of cybercrime makes the programme “deeply relevant” and commended it as being “very ambitious for a daytime show”.
The introduction of ‘Ground Interceptors’, mobile filming teams on standby to be sent to try and intercept the crime in person as members of the public are in the process of being scammed, has not only increased levels of tension and jeopardy to the series, but added a new layer of authenticity to the programme, highlighting the human impact of scamming.
The series has also increased the range of scams it targets and added more ‘scambaiting’, where the programme’s team pose as victims in a bid lure in the tricksters.
One judge praised it for being “technically bold, engaging, lean-forward television which commands attention”.
Another judge said it was a “thrilling, innovative and classy piece of television that performs an extraordinary and deeply important public service”.
SHORTLISTED
Doorbell Detectives
Purple Productions for BBC
This series harnessed the growing trend for smart CCTV devices by using the footage they capture to help communities work together to fight crime on their doorstep. It also invited homeowners to the studio to divulge their incredible stories to presenter Matt Allwright.
Help! We Bought A Village
True North Productions for Channel 4
Help! We Bought A Village follows the efforts of Brits as they undertake restoring abandoned hamlets across Europe. One series highlight is the restoration of the large French estate Chaumont, which sheltered hundreds of Jewish children during the Second World War, and the meeting between its restorer and 90-year-old Popeck, one of the last living survivors to have sheltered there.
Lost and Found in the Lakes
Ty’r Ddraig for BBC
Fronted by Helen Skelton, this series utilises divers, detectorists, magnet fishers and social media detectives to reunite people with sentimental possessions that they have lost in the Lake District. These items can include wedding rings, photos, smart watches and phones. Those that are unclaimed go on to have a second life in artworks.
Narrow Escapes
Bowled Over Media & Motion Content Group for Channel 4
Taking viewers along the 2,000 miles of connected canals and rivers in England and Wales, this series boasts a diverse cast and tackles topics such as the cost-of-living crisis and sustainability. This second series focused on the lack of rain in the UK and the knock-on effect on the canal system and those living on it.
Richard Osman’s House of Games
Remarkable Entertainment for BBC
Though in its eighth series, this star-studded quiz show keeps things fresh by introducing new elements and games every series. The show also strives to have diverse representation, ensuring gender parity on the weekly panel and hitting 33% diverse on-screen representation in this series.
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