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.

SELLING IRELAND’S DREAM HOMES

 
RTÉ 2

 
SERIES STARTS TUESDAY 9 JANUARY 2024 @ 930PM

Across 4 one-hour episodes Selling Ireland’s Dream Homes gives viewers a sneak peek into the world of high-end property sales. We follow estate agents around the country as they bring some of Ireland’s most luxurious and pricey homes to market.We showcase the very best in prestigious properties, imagining life in aristocratic country mansions, chic city apartments, quirky castles, beachfront pads, uber-stylish urban villas and even a remote lighthouse.

 We meet the agents tasked to sell these exclusive homes and the owners fortunate enough to live in them. We interview interior designers, architectural historians and other experts who bring the stories of these houses to life.

As the clock counts down to Coronation Day, Stitching for Britain is a fascinating and timely documentary celebrating the very best of British manufacturing and craftsmanship, revealing the rich heritage and history behind our iconic military uniforms and telling the inspiring, contemporary and powerful stories of the men and women of the British armed services who will wear these magnificent uniforms with pride.

Bespoke menswear designer and 'Sewing Bee' judge Patrick Grant offers us unique access to London based uniform manufacturers, Kashket & Partners, as they pull out all the stops to prepare thousands of spectacular parade uniforms for King Charles’ Coronation Day on May 6th.

Patrick will spend time on the factory floor with the inspiring and dynamic multi-generational Kashket family of master tailors and their staff. Along with the Kashkets’ partners, historic Birmingham metalwork specialists Firmin & Sons, they are the engine room producing uniforms for combat and ceremony and have been supplying the British armed forces since the reign of Charles II. 

Patrick will witness the extraordinary levels of tailoring detail that is required for the history-rich ceremonial uniforms, with each regiment having different traditions and regalia. He’ll also see first-hand the passion of the hard-working staff as they battle against time to alter hundreds of existing uniforms to include the King’s new cypher along with shiny new buttons bearing the letters ‘CR’.

Stitching for Britain is a Waddell Media Production for the BBC.

Commissioned by Fran Baker
Series Producer is Rob Gill
Executive Producers are David Cumming and Jannine Waddell

Narrated by Colin Morgan, “The Chronicles of Belfast” follows a year in the wilder, less urban areas of the city. Beautifully filmed, each episode looks at one season, starting with Spring. This 4 x 30 series begins on Monday 30th January at 8pm on BBC NI and is also available on iPlayer.