BBC shows ask people to cross political divides

THE BBC is launching a “timely” series of programmes encouraging people to cross political divides in a polarised world.

Programmes in the Crossing Divides schedule will aim to explore and narrow the gaps of religion, geography, age and ethnicity which separate factions in a fragmented modern era.

The broadcaster is seeking to push different world views in to dialogue, and director general Tony Hall has welcomed the year of conciliatory programmes.

Shows will see Stacey Dooley face-to-face with a suicide bomber, mothers disguised as 21-year-olds to bridge the age gap, far right and far left activists in conversation, and commuters thrown into debate on public transport.

Lord Hall said: “Crossing Divides couldn’t be more timely. It is an ambitious season that will bring fascinating stories to audiences across the UK and the world, and help us understand a little more of each other’s worlds.”

In Stacey Dooley: Face To Face With A Suicide Bomber, the Strictly Come Dancing winner will talk to female Boko Haram survivors who had failed to detonate their suicide devices. She will travel to the war-torn east of Nigeria to see how communities have been affected by terror.

Crossing Divides will run across the year on TV, news, radio and online with the project starting from March 4.

„ Stacey Dooley will meet with a suicide bomber in an attempt to give viewers an insight into their world.