The Secret Life of Bees: Episode 1 (Channel 5, Thursday, 22 May, 2025)

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Channel 5 gets its buzz on this Thursday with the premiere of “The Secret Life of Bees.” Naturalist and adventurer Steve Backshall trades his usual expeditions for a closer look at the fascinating world of these vital insects.

In the first episode, Backshall takes on the challenge of beekeeping, getting expert guidance from none other than King Charles III’s beekeeper at Highgrove. The episode explores the variety of the UK’s 270 bee species, from the familiar honeybee to the humble bumblebee, examining their habitats, behaviors, and critical role in our ecosystem.

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Joining the exploration is bee scientist Professor Lars Chittka, who carries out a novel experiment to test the collaborative abilities of honeybees. Backshall’s own family gets in on the action as his wife, Olympic rower Helen Glover, and their children experience the joys (and stings?) of beekeeping. Martha Kearney adds a global perspective with honey tasting.

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Tune in to Channel 5 this Thursday at 9:00 PM GMT.

Isabelle aka Izzy Jacobs is the features editor at memorabletv.com. Isabelle is particularly drawn to crime dramas, but she also has a not so secret love for all things reality TV. In addition to her work at memorabletv.com, Isabelle is also an avid traveler and a devoted foodie.