Channel 4 to send teachers on epic journey across the UK for new series about struggling education system
CHANNEL 4 is hoping to tackle the shortage of teachers by sending a group of educators on an epic journey across the UK.
I can exclusively reveal that the broadcaster has partnered with the Department for Education for a second time this year for the new entertainment series.
Miniseries Teachers On Tour, which goes live on Channel 4’s YouTube, Instagram and Facebook today, takes a deep dive into what their lives look like both in and out of the classroom.
The trio of young educators will take on a series of adventures and challenges on their road trip by bus, while reflecting on their teaching careers.
A source told me: “It’s no secret that schools have been struggling with the teacher shortage, with the UK once again failing to meet the recruitment target for primary and secondary schools.
“This series aims to change that, by inviting viewers to go on a journey alongside the group of content-creating educators and get to know what a career in teaching really looks like.
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"This isn’t just about sitting down and talking to teachers, though — this road trip will push their boundaries physically and emotionally as they travel from coast to coast.
Hilarious tasks
“There’s nail-biting and hilarious challenges put in place along the way to test them.
“It will result in the group comparing notes on their careers and love for the job, that, in turn, might inspire viewers to get involved with the Department for Education.”
The new three-parter follows on from Channel 4’s previous partnership with the DfE with short films How To Love Your Job, hosted by Celebs Go Dating’s Anna Williamson earlier this year.
The series delved into the stories of early years workers and what prospective viewers could expect from a role in the sector.
TRIANGLE GETTING SPICIER
A MEL B impersonator will be part of the new line-up on controversial dating show Love Triangle.
Dancer and singer Yolanda, from Leicestershire, who is obsessed with the Spice Girls and performs as Scary Spice, is hoping to find love on the second series of the Channel 4 show, where randy singles try being a throuple.
She will be joined by barber Danny, tanning business owner Ryan, marketing manager Chlo, semi-professional boxer Asa and charity worker Shannon.
The series sees the singletons, known as “pickers”, paired up with two potential partners before picking one for a blind date.
But that doesn’t mean it’s over for the other potential match, as they later join the pair in a love nest.
Love Triangle returns on March 10 at 9pm on E4.
PICTURE IT WITH GRAHAM
GRAHAM Norton starts a break from his BBC One chat show today to do his sell-out tour in Australia. But fans can still see him – at a price.
While Strictly host Claudia Winkleman stands in for the Irish presenter, he will be flogging photos of himself with fans for £200 a pop.
With tickets all gone for his An Evening With Graham Norton show, fans have been snapping up VIP meet-and-greet tickets, which cost £194 and include a premium seat, a signed copy of his book Frankie and a photo with the star.
On Claudia’s first show as guest host tonight, she is joined by Hollywood’s Chris Pratt and comedian Rob Beckett.
The Traitors host promised: “I won’t make a mess and I apologise in advance.”
PELE WIN WIDE OF THE NET
THE Repair Shop’s Will Kirk and Suzie Fletcher are skilled at reviving antiques – but that doesn’t mean they can restore everything.
Will recalls when one hopeful owner told the BBC One team he had a black and white leather football signed by Pele and other icons from the beautiful game – but the team were at a loss.
Will recalls: “He brought it in and there were no autographs on there. We said, ‘Where are the autographs?’ He said, ‘They’ve all gone, but I watched an episode of CSI Miami and on there was a laser that can bring writing back’.
“I was looking at Suzie and going, ‘You know this is a little thatched barn in West Sussex. We don’t really have that’.”
The ball never made it to TV.