ITV announce new documentary Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s

Inspired by powerful BAFTA winning movie I Swear, ITV/STV bosses have announced a brand new two-part series called Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s (working title).

The show, which doesn't yet have a start date, will follow former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff as he travels around the UK meeting young people living with Tourette’s.

What is it about?

ITV/STV say: 'Freddie sets out to understand what life is like for individuals and their families living with Tourette’s, and challenges the misconceptions and stigma around this often-misunderstood condition. Spending time with young people who are at different stages of their journey - from those who are trying to get a diagnosis to those who have been living with the condition for many years'.

72 Films will work with the charity Tourettes Action to make the two-part documentary, with ITV/STV saying the series will 'reflect varied experiences of Tourette’s - from more visible tics to those that are less obvious but no less challenging, revealing aspects rarely seen on screen and challenging the idea that it is simply a condition defined by swearing'.

They continue: 'The series looks beyond headlines and assumptions to offer a clearer, more truthful understanding of the condition - bringing audiences closer to the reality of living with it and the practical ways those living with it can overcome many of its challenges.

What is it called?

At the moment, the series has been given a working title of Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s.

Speaking about the new show, Freddie said: “Working with young people has always been a huge passion point for me, and Tourette’s is a condition that primarily starts in childhood. The thought of kids isolating themselves and facing such strong stigma both breaks my heart and resonates deeply with me – after my accident, I wouldn’t leave my own house and that’s a feeling I would never want anyone, let alone a kid, to go through.

"The events at the BAFTA Film Awards and the online discourse that followed only emphasised how much stigma is still out there – whilst the film made such positive strides for this community, these secondary responses seemed to set those advances right back. If there is any way I can help those affected, working directly with them and experts in the field, and also help spread awareness and push for change, then that is what I’ll do. I hope this community will bring the change and understanding they deserve.”

READ MORE: Freddie Flintoff's Disney+ documentary film is out now

When is it on TV?

No date has been given for the two-part special at this time.

Tourettes Action CEO Emma McNally said: “We’re looking forward to working with Freddie and ITV on this important new series and helping to ensure that the voices of the Tourette’s community are heard authentically. Too often in the past, portrayals of Tourette’s have focused on shock factor or humour, which can reinforce misunderstanding and stigma. By showing the different ways Tourette’s can present, this series has the potential to help all members of the community feel seen, supported and validated, regardless of how their Tourette’s affects them.”

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning ITV added: “We are incredibly proud to be working with Freddie Flintoff and Tourettes Action to bring this compelling programme to viewers."

Now check out all of the TV shows we can't wait for the return of: