Inside Longleat lands expanded run for 5

5 has recommissioned factual series Inside Longleat for an extended eight-part run, produced by Cardiff’s Bright Branch Media, Broadcast can reveal.

The 8 x 60-minute series will return to one of Britain’s oldest estates in Wiltshire, following Lord and Lady Bath and their team of specialists as they navigate the four seasons. The series has access to safari keepers, foresters, the water bailiff, beekeepers, the farming tenants who live in the neighbouring village of Horningsham, the team who maintain the famous Cheddar Gorge caves, and more.

The first series, a three-parter, aired in the 8pm slot in April and marked 75 years since the estate first opened its doors to the public. The series averaged 761,000 (6.4%) in the 8pm Tuesday slot.

The series was ordered by Lucy Willis for 5 and executively produced by Bright Branch creative director Jo Pearce with series producer Ian Durham and director Dominick French.

Willis said: “It’s a real treat that Lord and Lady Bath have opened their doors for a second time to 5 viewers, for a ring side seat of all that Longleat has to offer. From their impressive conservation work to their stately home and grounds and of course the world famous safari park.”

Lord Bath said: “Emma and I are delighted the programme has been recommissioned. This new series is sharing even more insights into the lives of those who make the estate such a special place to visit as well as showing how it fits with the wider community, of which we are so proud to be a part.”

Pearce added: “We’re delighted to be back at Longleat. The series puts the lens on the passionate, warm and dedicated people who make this estate one of a kind. It’s an hour of heartfelt escapism.”