Yesterday commissions Nettles WW2 doc

Yesterday has commissioned a John Nettles-fronted documentary about Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II.

During the whole of 2010, Yesterday will broadcast a range of programming about the importance of 1940 in modern history under the banner The Spirit Of 1940.

Nettles will co-write and present The Channel Islands At War about the German invasion and subsequent occupation of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

Due to premiere in Q2 next year, the three hour-long programmes will see Nettles meeting islanders who experienced the occupation, and also visiting places where evidence of the war can still be seen.

For the anniversary campaign, Yesterday has also commissioned Optomen Television's Ration Book Britain, in which What To Eat Now presenter Valentine Warner will explore the food that kept Britain alive during wartime.

"These two commissions give us the perfect opportunity to unearth and capture personal insights that are becoming rarer and rarer, to create two captivating programmes that really add another dimension to recognised historic events such as the occupation of the Channel Islands and rationing," said UKTV's Jane Rogerson.

Yesterday's Adrian Wills added: "With its massive lineup of significant events such as Dunkirk, food rationing and Churchill becoming Prime Minister, 1940 is arguably the most important year in British history, and one that we believe defined the British spirit for many decades thereafter."