‘Bees need our help'

Presenter Maddie Moate on the UK’s first TV beekeeping competition

- TESS LAMACRAFT

There has long been a buzz about the crucial role bees play in the survival of our planet. Now, these stripy pollinators – who play a key part in the growth of a third of the world’s food – are taking centre stage in Show Me the Honey!, a new beekeeping competition available on BBC iPlayer after it airs on CBBC (Thursday 30 September, 5.30pm).

BAFTA-winning presenter and bee enthusiast Maddie Moate teams up with professional beekeeper Curtis Thompson to oversee the proceedings as four families learn to care for a hive in a bid to be crowned beekeepers of the year.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Maddie, 33, tells TV Times more…

What can we expect from Show Me the Honey!?

It’s a show all the family can enjoy. The families taking part are all new to beekeeping. We set them all kinds of challenges that help them to understand the role bees play in the environment.

We hear some famous faces will be popping by, too?

Yes, Zoe Ball will be appearing. She had a whole campaign this summer on Radio 2 called Big Bee Challenge where she invited children to design a bee-friendly garden. Ainsley Harriott will also be appearing as our chef judge. He’s going to make a dish using the winning honey.

You are a big champion of bees. How did you first get into beekeeping?