THE SECRETS OF POMPEII'S DEAD - This 5SELECT documentary episode uncovers new discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum, revealing the identities and final moments of those trapped when Vesuvius erupted 2,000 years ago. As part of 5SELECT programming, it is a standout episode of the series, offering a gripping, at‑a‑glance programme highlight that brings fresh drama to UK television and British TV viewers seeking a quick overview of this spectacular entertainment series.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW THE SECRETS OF POMPEII’S DEAD is a landmark documentary series that brings the latest archaeological breakthroughs from Pompeii and Herculaneum to the small screen. In this compelling episode, British TV viewers are taken on a forensic journey through the ash‑laden streets, uncovering the identities, professions and final moments of the men, women and children who were frozen in time by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The programme blends cutting‑edge scientific analysis with vivid storytelling, offering a full‑details, in‑depth review of how modern technology is rewriting history. WHAT TO EXPECT The episode delivers a richly layered narrative that moves from the moment the volcano erupted to the painstaking excavation work carried out over the past decade. Viewers will see high‑resolution 3D scans of plaster casts, DNA profiling that links skeletal remains to living descendants, and intimate reconstructions of daily life in the Roman city. Interwoven interviews with leading archaeologists, historians and forensic experts provide authoritative commentary, while dramatic reenactments give a human face to the ancient tragedy. This balanced mix of documentary rigour and engaging drama makes it a must‑watch for anyone interested in history, science or true‑story entertainment. KEY FEATURES - A STAR‑STUDDED CAST OF EXPERTS, including Italy’s foremost Pompeii specialists and UK‑based forensic scientists, who explain complex findings in clear, accessible language. - STATE‑OF‑THE‑ART PRODUCTION VALUES, featuring aerial drone footage of the archaeological sites, photorealistic CGI reconstructions, and original sound‑design that immerses the audience in the chaos of the eruption. - EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO NEWLY UNVEILED ARTIFACTS, such as a perfectly preserved wooden chair and a set of personal jewellery that reveal the social status of the victims. - A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE SCIENTIFIC METHODS USED, from carbon dating to isotopic analysis, offering British TV viewers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of modern archaeology. WHY WATCH For discerning UK viewers who appreciate quality programming, this documentary offers more than a history lesson – it is an emotional, visual and intellectual experience that connects us to our shared past. The series satisfies the appetite for thoughtful entertainment, delivering a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving. It also aligns perfectly with the growing interest in heritage tourism and the UK’s own rich archaeological tradition, making it a timely addition to any television guide that values depth and authenticity. 5SELECT CONTEXT THE SECRETS OF POMPEII’S DEAD joins 5SELECT’s distinguished line‑up of flagship documentaries, standing alongside acclaimed series such as “The Great British Bake Off” and “Planet Earth” in terms of production quality and audience appeal. Its placement in the prime‑time slot underscores the network’s commitment to delivering compelling, fact‑based entertainment that resonates with British TV audiences. By offering a comprehensive guide to one of history’s most dramatic events, the programme enhances 5SELECT programming with a fresh, globally relevant perspective that will captivate UK viewers across the nation.