Channel 5 (UK) Documentaries

Documentary Exploring Legends Of Deep-Water Monsters - Such As The Kraken, The Sea Serpent Known As Caddy, And The Loch Ness Monster - Using The Latest Scientific Technology To Examine Whether There Is Any Truth In Their Existence.

The secrets of the controversial embalming techniques used to make the dead appear to be still alive, and how the practice has made a resurgence in recent years having been so popular in Victorian times. John Harris, who works for one of the UK's oldest and most respected funeral directors, travels to Puerto Rico to find out from families why they celebrated the passing of their loved ones in such an unusual way, and meets Felix, who shows him how he kept the eyes of tragic murder victim Fernando Diaz Beato open

Entertaining compilation of live TV's greatest fails. Expect technical catastrophes, violent outbursts and some very awkward silences. From the The Wright Stuff episode which got off to a flying stop, to the day Lorraine Kelly was forced off the air, get the mortifying inside stories from the people who were there.

Tense documentary revealing the inside story of a suspect's journey through the British criminal justice system. The legal team of young mother Kenzey mount her defence against charges of child cruelty.

Featuring unique insight, as well as access to key footage shown to the jury, this documentary examines the prosecution of Ian Stewart, following his conviction for the murder of author Helen Bailey.

A dancer, singer, actor and consummate game show host with perfect comic timing, Bruce first appeared on screen as an 11-year-old in 1939, the decade the BBC began broadcasting. Once established on the box in the 50s, he has very rarely been off it.

Looks back to 1911, when one of the most famous pieces of art across the globe, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris. As the painting is one of the most photographed, reproduced and written about pieces of art, and also the most expensive, the heist sent shockwaves around the world and baffled many great detectives.

The disappearance of Shannon Matthews was a story that gripped and then appalled Britain. Nine years on, this documentary examines her kidnapping and why people close to the case believe the police should reopen their investigation. Featuring the insight of some of those closest to the case, the programme charts the impact on an innocent girl caught in the lies and greed of those who were supposed to be caring for her

Documentary revealing the history and inside story of the royal palace, told with the aid of archive footage, informed interviewees and dramatic reconstruction. In addition to the stories of the royal family, it also reveals little known facts, including that the palace has been used as a prison, a sanctuary and an artillery base…

The return of the documentary telling remarkable tales of human experience from around the world, beginning with a woman who lives with a rare skin condition. Nusrit `Nelly' Shaheen from Coventry is the oldest known survivor of Harlequin Ichthyosis, which causes the skin to grow 10 times faster than normal. As a result, her skin cracks and appears scaly, and she spends four hours every day scrubbing off layers of dead skin. The film follows Nelly as she goes about her daily routines and as she meets others sufferers, as well as her desperate search for treatment to alleviate her symptoms.

The final days of the late singer, George Michael.

The stark stories of people barely getting by on benefits. Dad-of-three Dave is £30k in debt and has to weigh up whether a job that he has been offered will help his situation or whether he should stay on benefits, and Rapper Daz is in debt and about to be kicked out of his house unless fame and fortune knock on the door.

Profile of the singer, following his development from child star with the Jackson 5 to becoming an iconic performer in his own right as an adult. The programme explores his difficult relationship with his family and makes the case that growing up in the public eye had a devastating psychological impact that he was never able to recover from

The fascinating story of the meteoric rise over the past decade of the most popular stand-up comedian in Britain today.

It's a condition so severe for some that they want to have their legs chopped off. Cameras follow the pensioner who contemplates suicide due to severe sleep deprivation caused by his tingling legs, and the sufferer who is housebound due to the embarrassment of her wriggling legs.

Documentary about Karen Matthews, featuring testimony from family and friends, that reveals the true character of the woman who masterminded one of the most notorious crimes in living memory - the kidnapping of her own daughter, Shannon.

Gloria Hunniford narrates a compilation of talk show disasters. The programme features Eamonn Holmes' infamous interview with a monosyllabic David Blaine, Spike Milligan causing mayhem on Wogan, Joan Rivers launching into a rant at guest Brigitte Nielsen, and Katrina Buchanan enduring a succession of technical issues while appearing on a live Irish chat show.

The case of the Austrian man who kept his daughter prisoner for 24 years in the cellar of his house, until she was released in 2008 at the age of 42. Dramatically pleading guilty to all of the charges at the last moment of the trial, he was sentenced to life in a secure unit for incest, imprisonment, raping the victim - who bore seven children - and causing the death of one child by neglect. This documentary explores the crime itself, Fritzl's trial and the aftermath for everyone involved, and ponders how anyone can possibly recover from such an ordeal.

Documentary. The events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion have long been honoured and celebrated by Christians around the world. But a growing number of religious experts have started questioning the established version of events, unearthing a startlingly different narrative in the process.

Part-dramatised biopic explores how Prince Rogers Nelson's troubled and traumatic early days affected his future life, on the first anniversary of the music icon's death.

Documentary about families that have been divided by Britain's immigration law. British citizens with spouses from outside Europe are unable to bring them into the UK unless they earn over a certain amount, even if the couple has children. The programme follows four people with spouses in Thailand, Taiwan, South Africa and Russia as they take on the legal system for the chance to be allowed to live together as a family

Documentary examining events that took place in the small Cambridgeshire town which horrified the country. In December 2003, Iain Huntley, a caretaker at Soham Village College, was convicted of two murders and jailed for life. This film looks at the search for his victims, Huntley's arrest, and his subsequent trial and conviction.

Documentary about the life and career of the reigning queen of British comedy, from her roots in live stand-up to award-winning sitcom writer, and serious dramatic actor. Miranda reinvented slapstick for the 21st Century - but it's the warmth within the performances that's won her millions of fans since she burst onto our screens in the Noughties.

A celebration of the very best of comedy sketches by some of the greatest performers ever to grace our television screens.

Documentary about people eating the seemingly inedible, including 30-year-old Patrice from South London who is eating herself out of house and home. For the last 15 years she has been devouring the walls of her home, eating more than a ton of plaster.

Dale Winton narrates a compilation of disastrous game show moments. Featuring contestants on The Million Pound Drop failing to pay attention to a question with a fortune at stake, the least successful player to appear on The Chase, the woman who broke her leg on The Krypton Factor and still finished third and the Princess Diana-themed episode of Channel 5 quiz show 100%.

Documentary about the notorious criminal. Prison officers, detectives and fellow inmates describe their encounters with Britain's longest-serving criminal, moors murderer Ian Brady.

Documentary exploring how the killing of 12-year-old Rhys Jones in 2007, an innocent victim of Liverpool's gang culture, affected his family, friends and the city as a whole.

Ronni Ancona narrates a countdown of viewers' favourite films from the decade, including ET, Top Gun, Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Christopher Lloyd chats about playing Doc Brown in the Back to the Future franchise, Breakfast Club star Judd Nelson reveals what life was really like in the Brat Pack and Corey Feldman recalls the first time he saw the pirate ship on the set of The Goonies. Zach Galligan shares the secrets of how the mogwai were brought to life in Gremlins and Paul Hogan talks about the success of Crocodile Dundee

The story of Oscar Pistorius, who became the darling of South African sport after competing in both the Paralympics and the Olympic Games at London 2012, only to fall from grace the following year when he fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a bathroom door

Nostalgic romp through classic kids TV disasters. Scary puppets, rampant animals, inappropriate behaviour and unpredictable kids are just some of the things that have left viewers through the years shocked, confused or just howling with laughter. Narrated by Andi Peters.

Feature-length documentary recalling the aftermath of one of the most tragic events in modern memory, the death of Princess Diana. This highly-revealing account features interviews with the former Director of Government Relations, Anji Hunter, and Colin Tebutt, Diana's Personal Security Consultant, as well as friend, author Tina Brown and Diana's private secretary Patrick Jephson.

Documentary profiling former breast surgeon Ian Paterson, who was recently convicted of intentionally wounding patients by performing needless operations for more than a decade. Paterson was found guilty on 17 counts, and this programme examines how was he able to continue for so long, asking whether his employers might have ignored or failed to act on a series of warnings stretching back to 2003. Some of Paterson's victims are also interviewed, along with health service whistleblowers

Documentary following one of the planet’s longest flights – from London to Sydney – aboard one of the world’s biggest planes, the double-decker Airbus A380. Filmed before, during and after the flight, it features the confessions of the cabin crew, the secret areas of the plane that are off-limits to passengers, and the technological wizardry that allows each aircraft to be monitored for every second of its 11,000-mile journey. Food is cooked, delivered and prepared at 40,000 feet, while a vast army of people runs the cargo, loads the animals and services the aircraft – all against the clock.

In May 2012, Mick Philpott started a fire in his own house which killed six children, five of them his own, and was jailed for life for manslaughter in April the following year. This documentary looks at the aftermath of the tragedy and features interviews with one of Philpott's sons, close family members, friends and neighbours.

Documentary examining the events surrounding the murder of the 5-year-old girl in 2012 and looking at how those closest to her are still fighting to prevent such a tragedy happening again. Featuring interviews with April's mother and sister, as well as the friends and neighbours who searched in vain for her, while charting the movements of her killer Mark Bridger in the build-up to his crime, and the repercussions for the community

Steve Backshall meets the residents of Amazing Grace Rescue Centre in Surrey, helps healed hogs back into the wild, finds ways to hog-proof your garden, and tracks the last known colony of wild hedgehogs in London.

Documentary about the unique career of a razor-witted entertainer who found fame as two people - first his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savage, and then as himself. After teenage traumas in Birkenhead, Paul immersed himself in the London gay scene, becoming a rising star in TV. He then reinvented himself in the new millenium, hosting award-winning chat shows and travelogues.

Documentary examining the events surrounding the murders in April 2016 of Elizabeth and Katie Edwards by 14-year-olds Kim Edwards and Lucas Markham, Britain's youngest double killers. The officer in charge of the case gives an insight into the investigation, including the recording of the interview in which Kim explaining why she killed her mother and sister, and one in which her boyfriend detailed his involvement in the crime

Documentary about the life and career of Dame Barbara Windsor. With her naughty giggle and saucy wiggle, this real-life Eastender has been lighting up our lives for seven decades.

Documentary shedding light on the emotional fallout of the murder of Sara Payne, the eight-year-old girl who was kidnapped and killed in Kingston Gorse, West Sussex in 2000. Two weeks after her disappearance, Sara's body was found, and after a high profile police investigation, Roy Whiting was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Testimonies from friends, family, police officers, key witnesses and experts in criminology are combined with an interview with Sara's mother, to illustrate the tragic toll the case took on those closest to the victim.

A trip down memory lane to Kellerman's Resort, to celebrate the movie that remains a phenomenon. Favourite scenes are revisited and cast members Kelly Bishop, Lonny Price and Jane Brucker recall their favourite memories of the film, alongside an army of celebrity fans including Rachel Hunter and Lori Petty. Plus there are behind-the-scenes stories from choreographer Miranda Garrison and the writer, Eleanor Bergstein.

An investigation into how a Home Counties schoolgirl grew up to become a killer who stabbed three men to death and dumped their bodies in ditches around Peterbrough. People who knew her well, including the father of her two children, help paint a picture of a manipulative psychopath with a taste for blood.

Special documentary follows a defendent through the criminal justice system. Lukasz is a highly-educated banker accused of stealing tens of thousands of pounds from an elderly lady, a customer of the bank he worked for. Lukasz vehemantly denies the charges, but if he is found guilty, his life will change forever.

Documentary charting the history of the high-security psychiatric hospital from the Victorian era to the present day, examining the diverse treatments and regimes that have been applied during the 150 years it has been in operation

Profile of entertainers Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, who have become famed for their irreverent, raised-eyebrow humour and cheeky innuendo. Both hailing from south London, Mel and Sue met at Cambridge and like so many others, honed their self-effacing double act on the stages of Edinburgh before breaking into TV fronting the Channel 4's daytime chat show Light Lunch. While at one point Mel came close to bankruptcy, the duo's luck was in when, in 2010, they were asked to host an unlikely sounding new show called The Great British Bake Off. Its enormous - though unexpected - success established them as top-of-the-game presenting talent.

The presenter introduces a selection of her favourite comedy performances from stage and screen, including some rarely broadcast footage. Featuring clips of Victoria Wood, Graham Norton, Joan Rivers, Bruce Forsyth, Bob Monkhouse and Dame Edna Everage, as well as Muhammad Ali displaying his quick wit in chat show appearances.

This gruelling, psychological ‘anti-social’ experiment challenges three members of the public to spend five days in solitary confinement, asking one of the most relevant questions of our time: in a world where we have never been more connected, when was the last time you were completely alone?

Documentary examining the events surrounding the killing of 12-year-old Tia Sharp in August 2012 by her grandmother's boyfriend Stuart Hazell, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder. Tia's father Steven Carter reveals his recollections and regrets, the detective who led the investigation expresses his apologies for taking so long to find the body, and a journalist remembers carrying out that now-notorious interview in which Hazell appealing for Tia to come home.

Featured hits include the Bee Gees' Stayin' Alive, The Corrs' Breathless, Hanson's Mmmbop, Oasis's Supersonic, and Sister Sledge with their anthem 'We Are Family'

The story of magic on television, examining the challenges of performing illusions for a TV camera that can see everything. Some of the most successful modern magicians reveal the performers who inspired them, and take a look back at how performers like Paul Daniels, Penn & Teller, Derren Brown, David Blaine and Dynamo transformed the art form.

A documentary exploring the stories behind the deaths of Gemma McCluskie and Sian Blake, who were both stars of one of Britain's best-loved soaps, EastEnders. Gemma McCluskie was beaten to death in 2012 by her own brother, while Sian Blake and her two young sons were reported missing in 2015, before her partner pleaded guilty to the murders.

The story behind the murder of 16-year-old Becky Watts, who was killed by her stepbrother Nathan Matthews and his 21-year-old partner Shauna Hoare in Bristol in February 2015. This programme documents the huge police manhunt that unfolded in the wake of her disappearance, and the police investigation which eventually brought her murderous stepbrother to justice.

Documentary revisiting the highlights of Paul Daniels' decades-long career as a TV magician, which saw him bring magic to the masses via grand set-piece performances such as making an elephant vanish, and shocking stunts, including his infamous iron maiden trick. The programme also charts the beginnings of Paul's interest in illusions, learning rudimentary tricks from a book during his childhood in Middlesbrough. Includes interviews with Paul's Magic Circle contemporary Stephen Mulhern, illusionists David Copperfield and Penn and Teller, and the magician's own widow and former on-stage companion Debbie McGee.

A host of well-known contributors recall some of the infamous incidents involving famous faces embroiled in everything from sex scandals to televised meltdowns.

All-singing, all-dancing special narrated by Kate Thornton, reliving those moments when TV talent shows did not go to plan. Clips include Marie Osmond’s live on-air faint, Jorgie Porter’s swipe at her partner’s face with an ice skate, and Dannii Minogue appearing to ‘out’ Danyl Johnson on live TV. Interviews include James Jordan, Su Pollard and Jenny Eclair.

Harrowing documentary series telling the stories of some of Britain's most notorious serial killers - through the ones that got away. Myra Hindley and Ian Brady are Britain's most infamous serial killer couple. Victims who escaped with their lives meet up to share their experiences and attempt to lay the past to rest.

Documentary to mark 30 years since the tragic fire that swept through London's King's Cross station on November 18, 1987, killing 31 people and injuring 60 more. Previously unseen archive footage takes viewers to the heart of the disaster as it unfolded that night minute by minute, and interviews provide stark and candid first-hand testimony from those who were there - emergency workers, victims' families and survivors, some of whom have never spoken publicly about the night until now.

Documentary dealing with the emotional impact and aftermath of rape, told through the personal stories of 10 people sharing their own experiences. Told directly to camera, these are vividly honest accounts that reveal the impact of rape on someone's life, far beyond the moment of rape itself, focusing on the emotional and psychological effects as well as the interrogation of the legal process

A studio audience of rape survivors, law-makers, support workers and voluntary organisations, journalists and celebrities drill down into issues raised by Raped: My Story, as well as some of the broader issues stemming from current controversies

Drama-documentary about Wallis Simpson, examining her diaries and private letters to piece together the details of her life. The film examines her abusive first marriage and unusual courtship by Edward VIII, whose infatuation with her was often obsessive and controlling. Featuring dramatic reconstructions of key moments, with Georgina Rich as Wallis and Alex Avery as Edward.

Vicky Pattison narrates a collection of some really awful reality moments, including lost tempers on Hell's Kitchen and Big Brother, and Celebrity Love Island meltdowns.

A documentary examining one of the UK's most notorious criminals, as Steve Wright's father Conrad offers his deeply personal insights into the horrific crimes his son committed. Steve Wright, dubbed the ‘Suffolk Strangler', murdered five women who worked as prostitutes and dumped their bodies in the countryside around Ipswich in 2006, and was jailed for life in 2008. The programme also features an exclusive interview with Isabella Clennel, the mother of one of the women brutally murdered by Steve Wright, as she opens up about the impact her daughter Paula's death had - and continues to have - on her family.

Harrowing documentary series telling the stories of some of Britain's most notorious serial killers - through the ones that got away. Police believe that Levi Bellfield, aka 'the bus stop killer', could have attacked 20 or more people. Victims who escaped with their lives meet up to share their experiences and attempt to lay the past to rest.

Detailing the events of 25 July, 2000, when Air France Concored Flight 4590 crashed shortly after taking off from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, resulting in the deaths of 113 people. Most of the wreckage was consumed by fire, but three mysterious clues were found on the runway - a ruptured fuel tank, some torn pieces of tyre, and a mysterious strip of metal. This documentary reveals how French investigators used this curious collection of clues to determine the cause. This was the first-ever fatal accident involving a Concorde, the world's only supersonic passenger airliner, but nevertheless led to an immediate cessation of the aircraft's use and ultimately contributed to its withdrawal from service almost four years later.

Celebratory documentary about one of the most enduring formats on TV. After looking at the quaint early days of Come Dancing, this film focuses on the revitalised ratings-winner that has seen more than 200 celebrities take to the floor. Judges, dancers, and celebrity fans reveal their love for this undoubted national treasure.

Clip show. Footage that Strictly fans may not be familiar with of the judges, presenters and dancers when they were struggling to make names for themselves. Featuring everyone from the late great Brucie to Bruno, from Anton to Erin, and from the Cliftons to Tess and Claudia.

Documentary charting the history of the toy, looking at how the company has grown since its origins in 1930s Denmark, when the Christiansen family started creating wooden toys. Historians, famous fans, engineers and Lego experts comment on the fascinating story of how the seemingly humble plastic brick created in the 1950s has been developed and adapted over the decades into one of the world's most popular brands.

Drama documentary telling the untold story of ABBA's women in the words of their close circle and the women themselves. This biopic traces the highs and lows of ABBA through the eyes of the two female members. A story of two friends and mothers torn apart by being in one of the world's most successful groups.

Celebrities including Sally Lindsay and Joe Swash reveal their verdict on the best biscuit before the results of a top 20 survey of the nation's favourite snack is revealed. There is also opportunity to see what copes best in a cuppa as cookies are put through their paces in the dunk test.

A celebration of one of the country's best-loved comics. Featuring mother-in-law gags, classic clips of his unique game-show hosting style and footage of the finest bad piano player to ever tickle the ivories.

A celebration of one of the country's best-loved comics. Featuring mother-in-law gags, classic clips of his unique game-show hosting style and footage of the finest bad piano player to ever tickle the ivories.

Documentary about the noted violinist. Born in Maastricht in the Netherlands, Rieu became enchanted at a young age by the music of Johan Strauss and made it is mission to popularise this, what was then seen as, unfashionable classical music. Half a century later, Rieu tours the world with his own orchestra, wowing sold-out stadiums with Strauss's music.

As the Royal family get ready to welcome old family members and new, cameras reveal where they eat their Christmas lunch, when they open their presents and how they spend their December 24

Documentary offering a behind-scenes look at the secluded royal retreat that covers 50,000 acres of the Scottish Highlands, over 150 buildings, more than 100 employees and is Queen Elizabeth's favourite home. This programme explores the history of Balmoral, what goes into keeping the estate ticking and the events from behind its walls.

Memorable moments featuring famous faces from the past year, including David Beckham's leaked e-mails, Wayne Rooney's drink-driving, the wrong film being announced as Best Picture at the Oscars, and Taylor Swift's controversial music video for Look What You Made Me Do. Plus, highlights from the year's reality TV shows, including Prue Leith accidentally spoiling the result of The Great British Bake Off finale. With contributions from Louis Walsh, Len Goodman, Sinitta, Amelia Lily, Eamonn Holmes, Marcel Somerville and Brian Harvey.

Profile of the writer and comedian, charting her career from her initial breakthrough singing comedy songs on 1970s talent show New Faces, through to her subsequent TV series and stand-up shows. Featuring clips of some of the funniest performances of her 40-year career and contributions from friends, fans and co-stars, including Richard E Grant, Duncan Preston, Kate Robbins and Barry Cryer

Joe Pasquale narrates a special documentary celebrating some of the greatest pranks celebrities have managed to play on each other. Highlights include Ant and Dec setting up Simon Cowell in a classic Saturday Night Takeaway moment he would probably rather forget, and Eurovision winner Cheryl Baker falling victim to one of Noel Edmonds' `Gotcha' tricks. Ben Hanlin talks viewers through an elaborate hoax he pullled on former King of the Jungle Joe Swash, and more practical jokes come courtesy of Freddie Flintoff, Little Mix, and Game of Thrones' pint-sized trickster Maisie Williams.

Richard Bacon narrates a compilation of disasters befalling TV presenters, featuring mishaps involving Phillip Schofield, Anne Diamond, Denis Tuohy, Ross King, Charlotte Crosby and Stephen Bear, as well as other presenters from around the world. The show looks back at technical problems on the opening night of BBC2 and some unexpected nudity on daytime TV.