Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
Joanna Page, best known for her roles as an actress and presenter, is stepping into a brand-new role that's as inspiring as it is messy. In her latest project, Joanna Page's Wild Life, she embarks on a heartfelt journey to become a wildlife rescue volunteer. The series premieres on BBC Two and iPlayer on January 6, 2025, at 6:30 pm, promising an educational and entertaining glimpse into the world of wildlife rescue.
Driven by her passion for nature and concern for Britain's vulnerable wildlife, Joanna spends her summer at Wildlife Aid, one of the UK's leading wildlife hospitals. Her mission? To master the three essential steps of wildlife rescue: Rescue, Rehab, and Release. But this isn't a glamorous assignment. Joanna starts at the bottom, scrubbing cages and cleaning pens before earning her way into animal triage and the high-stakes vet room. Along the way, she ventures into the field, assisting in rescues and witnessing the joyous moments of releasing rehabilitated animals back into the wild.
The series balances humor and heart, showcasing Joanna's lighthearted wit as she navigates the ups and downs of the role. From caring for lovestruck hedgehogs to bottle-feeding orphaned baby badgers, her journey is full of touching and amusing encounters. However, the job isn't all cuteness, it requires resilience and professionalism, especially when faced with injured fox cubs or sharp-taloned birds. And while Joanna jokes about naming animals after her Gavin and Stacey co-stars, the series highlights the importance of staying emotionally grounded in such challenging work.
Reflecting on her experience, Joanna shares her excitement:
"I'm so proud of this series and what I was able to achieve. I feel more equipped and excited to welcome wildlife into my own garden and can't wait for viewers to see a different side to me. It's also an amazingly educational series, and I hope audiences will feel inspired to create safe havens for wildlife in their own outdoor spaces."
The series also brings an important message about conservation and the small changes individuals can make to protect wildlife in their communities. By showcasing the dedication of the Wildlife Aid team and the realities of animal rescue, Joanna Page's Wild Life encourages viewers to think differently about how they interact with the natural world.
Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor for Daytime and Early Peak at the BBC, praises Joanna's commitment:
"We're so excited to bring this new wildlife series to families across the country. Joanna is the perfect person to take on such a tough yet rewarding experience, and viewers will love watching her transformation into a fully-fledged wildlife volunteer."
The series is produced by the North East-based Twenty Six 03, with Duncan Gray and Antonia Hurford-Jones serving as executive producers. Filmed in Surrey, it captures the beauty and challenges of wildlife rehabilitation. According to the producers, the show is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining:
"The series makes you think twice about how you interact with the wildlife around us," Gray and Hurford-Jones remark.
Commissioned by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak, Joanna Page's Wild Life is not just a feel-good show, it's a call to action for anyone who wants to play a part in safeguarding Britain's natural heritage. Tune in to follow Joanna's inspiring journey and discover how even small efforts can make a big difference in protecting wildlife.
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