BBC to make archaeology drama

BBC Drama has commissioned a new drama series based on the world of archaeology.

Bone Kickers will be a six-part drama for BBC One. The programme has been conceived by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah - co-creators of Life On Mars - along with Michele Buck and Damien Timmer of Mammoth Screen.

Set in Bath, an excavation team aim to uncover artefacts which they hope will unlock the mysteries of the past. Lead character Gillian, a fiery Celt, has to battle against her academic nemesis, the arrogant, urbane TV historian Daniel Mastif, in a race find a much sort-after artefact, a quest which drove her own mother insane.

Polly Hill, BBC commissioning editor for independent drama, said: "Bone Kickers takes history and archaeology and makes it sexy, accessible and exciting."

The show will be filmed in the Bath/Bristol area from early November and will transmit on BBC One in Spring 2008. Casting will be announced at a later date.