Michael Sheen’s latest documentary arrives on screens this August

Amelia Jones

Michael Sheen’s long-awaited documentary investigating historic allegations of toxic chemical contamination in Wales will finally reach television screens later this month.

Buried, a two-part investigative series, premieres on 17 August and follows the Welsh actor as he revisits claims that hazardous industrial chemicals were dumped across Wales and north-west England.

The documentary is inspired by the work of late farming consultant and whistleblower Douglas Gowan, who spent more than 50 years campaigning over what he believed was widespread PCB pollution.

Gowan claimed thousands of tonnes of toxic industrial waste had been buried in communities, allegations that have remained the subject of debate for decades.

Sheen first met Gowan almost a decade ago before later spending two days interviewing him about his lifelong campaign. Just two months after filming, Gowan died, leaving the actor determined to continue investigating the claims.

Across the two episodes, Sheen is joined by investigative journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor as they retrace Gowan’s footsteps, visiting suspected dump sites and speaking to environmental experts, forensic scientists and residents living near areas linked to the allegations.

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were once widely used in industrial equipment because of their durability and resistance to breaking down.

However, the chemicals were later banned worldwide after being linked to serious health and environmental risks, and are now recognised as persistent environmental pollutants.

The series examines allegations of historic chemical dumping, environmental contamination and potential institutional failings, while exploring the evidence behind Gowan’s claims and hearing from experts and those affected.

Sheen, who was born in Newport and raised in Port Talbot, has long been one of Wales’ most prominent cultural figures.

Alongside an acclaimed acting career spanning film, television and stage, he has become known for his commitment to Welsh communities and social causes, regularly using his profile to campaign on issues affecting the nation.

In recent years, he has spoken openly about his desire to use his platform to shine a light on stories that matter to people in Wales, making Buried one of his most personal projects to date.

Buried premieres 17 August on BBC Two.

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