Actor Michael Sheen is set to front a new BBC documentary exploring claims of chemical contamination in South Wales, close to where he grew up. The two-part series, titled Buried (working title), will investigate allegations that “forever chemicals” were dumped near farms and communities, potentially leaving a lasting impact on the region.
“This is a story that has troubled Wales for decades, and for me, it’s deeply personal,” Sheen said. “We try to uncover the truth about what is beneath our feet, hear from the communities affected, and understand how something so insidious could stay buried for so long.”
Inspired by a Whistleblower
The project builds on the work of researcher and whistleblower Douglas Gowan, who raised alarms about toxic dumping nearly ten years ago. Gowan believed the chemicals posed serious risks to public health and the environment but died before his warnings were widely acknowledged. Sheen, who met Gowan during that time, said the encounter left a lasting impression.
Investigating Wales’ Toxic Past
Produced by Wall to Wall and Smoke Trail Productions, the documentary will see Sheen meet families from affected communities, local councillors, investigative journalists, forensic scientists, and medical experts. Together, they will examine whether Gowan’s concerns were justified and what responsibility exists today to address the contamination. The series aims to combine personal testimony with scientific analysis, offering viewers both emotional and factual insight into a decades-long issue.
Sheen’s Commitment to Wales
In recent years, Sheen has become a vocal advocate for his homeland. He self-financed a new national theatre after the closure of National Theatre Wales in 2024 and personally wrote off £1 million of debt for 900 people by investing £100,000 of his own money. His philanthropic efforts were documented in Channel 4’s Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway. Sheen’s involvement in Buried reflects his ongoing commitment to Welsh communities and his determination to use his platform to highlight issues that matter locally and nationally.
Production Details
Buried is commissioned by Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual, and Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. The series is executive produced by Michael Fraser for Wall to Wall, with Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor for Smoke Trail Productions. Jacci Parry serves as series producer, while Mags Gavan directs. The documentary builds on Smoke Trail’s BBC Sounds podcast Buried and will air on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer.
Looking Ahead
With Sheen’s passion and credibility, Buried promises to be more than just an investigation. It is a call to action, urging accountability and awareness about environmental issues that could affect generations to come.
