Michael Sheen will lead a new BBC documentary titled Buried, focusing on allegations of chemical contamination in his native South Wales. The two-part series is co-produced by Wall to Wall Productions and Smoke Trail Productions, and it is set to explore the long-standing issues surrounding “forever chemicals” buried in the land near local farms and communities.
In a statement, Sheen expressed the personal significance of the project, noting, “This is a story that has troubled Wales for decades, and for me, it’s deeply personal.” The documentary will delve into the research of Douglas Gowan, a whistleblower who raised concerns nearly a decade ago about the potential dangers of these chemicals. Tragically, Gowan passed away before his warnings could prompt action. Sheen aims to determine whether Gowan’s warnings were justified and to highlight the ongoing impact on local residents.
The series will feature interviews with affected families, local councillors, environmental investigative journalists, forensic scientists, and medical experts, all of whom are seeking answers about the region’s toxic past. “I first met Douglas Gowan nearly ten years ago, and his warnings about these chemicals stayed with me,” Sheen remarked. He emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth and understanding the implications for future generations: “It’s about seeking answers, but also about responsibility — what we do now matters for the future of these communities.”
Over recent years, Sheen has become a prominent advocate for his homeland. He self-financed the establishment of a new national theatre to address the gap created by the planned closure of National Theatre Wales in 2024. Additionally, he alleviated the debts of 900 individuals by writing off £1 million (approximately $1.29 million) using £100,000 (around $129,000) of his own funds, an effort documented in the Channel 4 program Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway.
The documentary Buried is commissioned by Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual content, and Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. The commissioning editors include Tom Coveney and Julian Carey. Michael Fraser serves as executive producer for Wall to Wall, with Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor handling production for Smoke Trail. The series is also based on Smoke Trail’s podcast of the same name and will be available on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer.
The documentary promises to shine a light on a critical issue affecting communities in South Wales, aiming to hold accountable those responsible for the environmental hazards that have persisted for decades.
