Following a hugely successful first series, which reached over 2 million viewers in Britain this spring, TV presenter Fred Sirieix is back in the saddle in Ireland, filming for a second series of Tour de Fred. 

In the first series, Fred visited Northern Ireland, including the Mournes and Strangford Lough, Belfast, the Causeway Coast and the walled city of Derry. This time round, Fred is exploring Wexford, Waterford and Cork for the new series, which will be called Tour de Fred – Part Deux. The series is supported by Tourism Ireland’s International Programming Ireland Fund and Irish Ferries. 

Filming for the five-part series – which was devised by Waddell Media and is due to air on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026 – has been taking place over the past few weeks. Viewers will see Fred explore and meet passionate locals in Wexford, Waterford and Cork and, of course, take part in a cycle challenge or two along the way. From beautiful coastlines and historic sites to artisan producers and vibrant towns, Fred will bring British viewers on a fun and exciting journey, further strengthening Ireland’s appeal as a must-visit destination.

Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland's Acting Head of Great Britain, said:“Following the success of the first series, we are delighted that Fred has returned for ‘Tour de Fred – Part Deux’. His journey through Wexford, Waterford and Cork will highlight not only the stunning scenery and rich heritage of these counties, but also the genuine warmth of the people who call them home. This new series is sure to capture viewers’ imaginations and inspire them to come and explore Ireland for their next holiday.” 

Host Fred Sirieix said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be back in the saddle for a second series of ‘Tour de Fred’. The first series was a real joy and now I get to explore a different region of the beautiful island of Ireland.

“I'm excited to embrace all the rich history, incredible food and breathtaking landscapes of south east Ireland along the Copper Coast – and of course meet the charismatic locals. Joining me on the last leg will be my daughter Andrea and I can't wait to bring viewers on this next adventure with us!”

Publicity and broadcasts like this are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s programme of activity to inspire potential British travellers to put Ireland on their holiday wish list.

Legendary hoteliers Francis and John Brennan are back. The straight-talking brothers travel the country bringing their expertise and knowledge to one brand new hospitality business each week. They help a family who have boldly moved from their quartz and granite business to building and running a 26-bedroom hotel in Tralee. They advise a high-flying corporate accountant who left her jet-setting world behind to renovate a 4-bedroom farmhouse B&B in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. They come to the aid of an Irish farmer and his Latvian partner who are creating a beach resort in land-locked Laois – all in time for At Your Service’s first wedding. And they advise sisters with a passion for wellness who dream of opening their very own retreat and spa in Glengarriff, Co Cork.

We are delighted to announce that Britain's most Expensive Houses and Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King have been nominated in the Factual Entertainment category and The Chronicles of Belfast has been nominated in the Lifestyle and Features category. Well done to all involved!

The Awards Ceremony will be held in Titanic Belfast on Thursday 14 November, 2024.

Waddell Media, one of Ireland’s largest and most successful independent production companies, has been commissioned by BBC Three and BBC Northern Ireland to follow the ups and downs of 19-year-old TikTok star Kyle Thomas as he attempts to build a zoo for his exotic animals. 
 
Kyle Thomas is the UK’s most followed TikToker, with over 34.8 million followers. He has been named in Forbes’ 30 under 30 2024, all at just 19 years old. A rising presenter and model Kyle has a passion for everything animal and wildlife.
 
In We Built a Zoo, (1x60) the film digs into the social media sensation’s controversial past when he posted clips of his animals that drew criticism from animal rights activists and the media alike.
 
As he tries to move on and find suitable forever homes for his 39 animals, (and after a failed attempt to create his own sanctuary), Kyle teams up with Co Tyrone Builder Phil Hughes, and the duo are now planning to turn Phil’s existing modest petting farm into a world class wildlife park for Kyle’s animals and other unwanted exotics.
 
We Built a Zoo was commissioned by Eddie Doyle and Mary McKeagney for BBC Northern Ireland and Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, with the support from Northern Ireland Screen. 
 
Filmed and Directed by Gill Callan
Executive Producer at Waddell Media is Jannine Waddell

We are delighted to share that in the BBC’s annual diversity report Waddell Media programmes got not one, not two but three mentions as good practice shows - Éadaí SOS, Suzie Lee: Home Cook Hero and The Chronicles.