Alison Hammond to front educational show for ITV's Black History Month

Alison Hammond is set to front her own programme to mark Black History Month on ITV this coming October.

Back to School will see the This Morning presenter travel around Britain to well-known historical sites to explore the lives and contributions of the black figures often overlooked by history books.

The one hour special will take Hammond, 45, to places including Hadrian's Wall and Hampton Court where she and viewers will be given an insight into the significance of black people in Britain's history by experts who also delve into the current teaching of history in schools.

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Other programmes coming to the channel include a four part comedy panel show Sorry I Didn't Know hosted by Jimmy Akingbola, which was previously piloted in 2016 on ITV2.

ITV said it will be a "riotous showcase of the hottest comedians from diverse backgrounds that we rarely see on such shows" as the panellists will be tested on their knowledge of lesser-known historical stories and heroes.

One-off programme Black Comedy Legends is also taking a look at some of the greatest black comedy legends from the past to today.

Elsewhere, ITV News' Charlene White will be presenting a studio show aimed at young people on a format of her own creation. It will include films, honest discussion, animation and music from young talent.

Factual commissioning editor Satmohan Panesar said: “These programmes span Factual, Entertainment, and Children’s in an effort to reach out to viewers across the board at all levels.

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"We hope viewers will enjoy the incredible stories, wonderful entertainment and fascinating people they focus on as we look at Britain from a vital and different perspective and celebrate the contribution of black people to Britain’s story, our culture and our lives.”

It comes as Channel 4 recently announced Black Takeover Day for 2021, a whole day of programming dedicated to showcasing black talent, including a revived version of The Big Breakfast hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan.