Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sir Ian McKellen, Naomie Harris, Daniel Radcliffe and more team up to defend the BBC

James Corden, Steve Coogan and Dame Judi Dench also feature

Jack Shepherd
Sunday 07 February 2016 11:45 EST
Comments
IanMcKellen and Judie Dench in new video defending BBC against cuts

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The BBC has played an integral part in developing UK culture for many years, giving many actors a first chance to appear on screen and introducing many more to the wonders of TV, film and music.

Unfortunately, the government are attempting to change the way things are done by the broadcaster, with funding cuts leading to BBC Three going online only and the Formula One and Olympics no longer being shown on its stations.

In a new video, made by an independent campaign led by Waheed Alli and Charlie Parsons, numerous actors and directors reveal their experiences with the BBC, both in appearing on the one its channels or how it introduced them to certain shows.

In one brilliant moment, Sir Ian Mckellen speaks about how Saturday night dramas introduced him to the world of acting: “I might get a bit teary because those are some of the best moments of my childhood.”

James Corden, who got his big break when the BBC picked up Gavin and Stacy, said the show would not have existed if it wasn’t for the BBC’s Royal Family.

On his favourite TV moments, Steve Googan mentioned the David Attenborough documentaries which are regularly made by the BBC. Watch the clip above.

Dame Judi Dench, Steve Boyle, Daniel Radcliffe and Naomi Harris also reveal their fondest BBC memories in the video.

The BBC is currently transitioning BBC 3 from a regular TV station into an online-only station, partnering with Idris Elba’s production company to make exciting new content. Read the full story here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in