David Attenborough explores UK’s prehistoric era in new doc for BBC and PBS

At 97 years old, Sir David Attenborough is showing no signs of slowing down!

The much-loved English biologist and natural historian has revealed his next project, which was the wonderful title Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster.

Produced by the acclaimed BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the documentary now sees Attenborough turn his attention to the UK’s prehistoric era.

The 60-minute film follows David as he unearths the discovery of a lifetime: the skull of a giant Pliosaur, one of the most ferocious Jurassic predators ever known.

This enormous prehistoric marine reptile ruled the seas at the same time dinosaurs reigned on land, 150 million years ago.

“Fossil experts believe this Pliosaur to be a completely new species and working at a secret location are setting out on a perilous expedition to excavate the skull, and uncover the secrets lying deep within,” the official synopsis tells us.

“Pliosaurs were the biggest and most formidable hunters in the Jurassic seas, the marine equivalent, you might say of T. Rex,” said Attenborough.

“The skull of this one is, by itself, over two metres long and armed with massive fangs.

“Frustratingly, skulls, which can tell us most about an animal, are only too easily smashed before fossilisation but this one is virtually undamaged and promises to reveal all kinds of new details about these terrifying hunters that preyed on Lyme Regis’ better known ichthyosaurs.”

Combining ground-breaking science with gripping storytelling and cutting-edge CGI bringing the sea monster to life, the film was shot on location across the UK.

“It’s wonderful to be back on location with David, his eyes absolutely lit up when we told him about this amazing find,” recalled executive producer Mike Gunton.

“He couldn’t wait to join the ‘dig’ and get a first look at the fossil bones for himself!”

Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster is expected to premiere later this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on PBS in the US.

Sir David Attenborough’s brilliant Wild Isles series is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.

The Blue Planet complete collection is available on DVD on Amazon.