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Sir David Attenborough steps back from narrating Planet Earth in show first as BBC announce major shake-up
The new special episode includes visual highlights from the original series.
PlANET Earth III has had a major shake-up with Sir David Attenborough replaced as the narrator on a special instalment of the hit show.
A brand-new episode of the beloved BBC nature documentary series featured a special change for a very wholesome reason.
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Since Its premiere in 2006, the show has pushed the technical boundaries of nature documentaries and won numerous awards.
To celebrate Earth Day - which is today (April 22) - children have taken the lead and narrated the show as the legendary broadcaster and naturalist stepped aside for a remarkable instalment of Planet Earth III.
The hit BBC documentary series collaborated with BBC Children In Need, who have selected schools that had helped its fundraising efforts to feature in the episode.
The newly released episode, available on BBC iPlayer from today (April 22), is narrated by 49 schoolchildren- ranging from ages nine to 13 - reading from Sir David’s original scripts as they step into the shoes of the 97-year-old broadcaster, who has been on TV since the 1950s.
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The episode's synopsis reads: "You don't have to be Sir David Attenborough to become a voice for nature."
Included in Planet Earth III: Narrated by Schoolchildren are visual highlights from the original series.
Introducing the episode, the children said: “Welcome to a very special episode of Planet Earth III, narrated by schoolchildren from all over the UK.
“Because you don’t have to be Sir David Attenborough to become a voice for nature.
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“We can all speak up on behalf of our wonderful planet Earth. It’s one of the most powerful ways to help protect it.”
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Today, in schools across the UK, the episode has been screened in a virtual assembly filled with educational clips as part of the Become A Voice For Nature campaign.
Meanwhile, the offers extra content, including allowing kids to record their commentaries.
Wildlife biologist and presenter Lizzie Daly, who is involved in the virtual assembly, said: "I'm thrilled to be presenting the Become a Voice for Nature live schools assembly on Earth Day!
"I want to encourage schools across the UK to download a Become a Voice for Nature resource pack from the BBC Children in Need website and join us to hear more from the producers of Planet Earth III and learn more about the planet, how it impacts our lives and what we can do to protect it.
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“I can't wait, to see you all there."
Claire Hoyle, director of income, marketing and communications at BBC Children In Need, said: “The Become A Voice For Nature campaign is about encouraging pupils from schools nationwide to come together on Earth Day to learn more about protecting our planet and how we impact it.
“We really wanted to be able to show our appreciation to schools who fundraise for BBC Children In Need each year, so we’re delighted to be delivering this live assembly and we are so thrilled to see pupils voicing this special episode.
“A huge thank you to all of the pupils and schools for their continued support and fundraising efforts for BBC Children In Need.”
Last year, Sir David warned children interested in palaeontology to put their safety first during their exploits.
At the time, he said: “I think there are still going to be little 10 year olds and 12 year olds going around on bicycles hitting rocks with hammers.
“Put on glasses – it’s very dangerous!
“I mustn’t encourage children, they must wear eye protection! But kids that are being born today will still find that romantic, and not only kids…”
Sir David has captured the hearts of the nation throughout his career, which has spanned more than seven decades.
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His nature documentaries have inspired people worldwide to take a more profound interest in the nature surrounding them, including plant and animal life.
The Planet Earth III: Narrated by Schoolchildren episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now and will air on BBC One on May 6.
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