IN his time, Sir David Attenborough has leant his dulcet tones to hundreds of births, deaths, friendships and fallouts.
But he has toned his last piece for cinematic epic Dynasties, which I can reveal has been quietly shelved by the BBC.
There are no further plans to continue the groundbreaking series, which followed five extraordinary animals in a heroic struggle against rivals and against the forces of nature, fighting for their own survival and for the future of their dynasties.
The final nine episodes followed tribes of animals from Zimbabwe to Antarctica, thriving despite the odds in some of the globe’s harshest environments.
It was considered to be some of Sir David’s finest work for the Corporation.
But despite its success, the BBC now intends to focus on a new “expansion” of the series, under a brand new name.
A source said: “It will no doubt be a huge blow to the series’ fans, who tuned in from the US to New Zealand for the second season, and it was widely expected a third to follow.
“But the programme has now been set aside while the team focus their efforts elsewhere.”
It is said that the BBC feel the “baton” has been handed to already-announced show Kingdom, which is considered to be a “spin-off” of Dynasties.
The Beeb say Kingdom marks BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit’s most ambitious undertaking to date, filming six animal sagas in Zambia over a four-year period.
A source added: “Kingdom will expand upon the original idea for Dynasties.
“It will focus on the conflicts and dynamics that exist across various different animal groups, in one location, rather than on just one particular family or tribe.”
With Kingdom not due to air until 2025, we’ll need to have the patience of one of Sir David’s filmographers – but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait.
ANDY And The Band will return for a third series on CBeebies with a host of celebrity guests.
Andy Day and his bandmates in the Odd Socks will be joined by stars including Queen guitarist Brian May, actress Nina Wadia and Lioness Ella Toone.
The second series is already in production.
KIM’S IN TEARS AT SICK DAD
TEARFUL Kimberly Wyatt opens up about her dad’s cancer battle tonight.
In Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer challenge Don’t Look Down, she tackles a 35ft high- wire walk with her co-stars.
But in the show, from 9.15pm, the singer also reveals her dad’s cancer could genetically pass on to her and her two daughters, Willow and Maple.
Kimberly says: “I’ve faced a lot of cancer in my life – my auntie, with breast cancer.
My dad currently has cancer and is trying to fight through that.
He’s also found with the type that he has, it’s genetic.
It normally passes down and often lands in the women. You know, I have two daughters as well.
“It’s a lot to process. But that’s why it’s just nice to have something to focus on and do.”
STANDBY DAVINA . .
STAND Up To Cancer has a packed line-up for its live takeover on November 3.
Davina McCall hosts the Channel 4 fundraiser alongside comedians Adam Hills, Joe Lycett and Munya Chawawa.
Guests including Rita Ora and Oti Mabuse will celebrate the progress in cancer research and ten years of SU2C.
The live show will air ahead of a special episode of Celebrity Gogglebox and the finale of Paddy McGuinness’ Don’t Look Down.
The night will also include a tribute to late comic Sean Lock, with the best of his Lockipedia series.
