Is your child finding it hard to make friends? The BBC is looking for children aged 5–8
A new BBC One and iPlayer series, Will You Be My Friend?, is looking for children aged five to eight who are struggling to make friends — whether they’re shy, feel like they don’t fit in, or just haven’t found “their people” yet.
Requirements:
- Age: 5–8
- Who it’s for: children finding it hard to make friends / struggling socially
- When: filming in July & August 2026
- Deadline: 9 July 2026 (apply ASAP)
What is Will You Be My Friend? about?
From the award-winning producers of Channel 4’s The Dog House, and one of the BAFTA-winning producers of First Dates, this brand new six-part series explores the world of friendship through children aged 5 to 8 who are struggling socially.
Most of us remember what it’s like trying to make friends — the awkward hello, turning up alone, or not quite knowing what to say. Now imagine navigating all of that as a little kid.
Inside “The Friendship Centre”
In the series, children take part in sessions at The Friendship Centre, where a team of psychologists help them build confidence and social skills. Each child is then sensitively matched for a play date with a potential new friend from their local area.
Six weeks later, the programme returns home to see how that new-found courage is showing up at school, in the playground and beyond.
“The longing to connect, to be seen, and to belong is universal. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, I defy anyone to watch these children without seeing a little bit of themselves reflected.
In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, this series shows that the simplest gestures — a smile, a shared joke, a tentative ‘will you be my friend?’ — still have the power to change everything. Five Mile Films has brought us something very special, and we couldn’t be prouder to give it a home on the BBC.”
— Emma Loach, Interim Head of Commissioning, Documentaries
“I don’t think there’s a commission I could be more thrilled to bring to Five Mile. Will You Be My Friend? will be joyful, warm and funny, but it also does something genuinely new — inviting us to look closely at the challenge and art of making friends.”
— Nick Mirsky, CEO of Five Mile Films
Why this matters (a few headline stats)
- 42% of young people say friendships and social life are a daily worry.
- Post-pandemic, 47% of parents observed a decline in their child’s social and emotional skills as peer interactions shifted online.
- 75% of primary schools reported a decline in post-Covid language skills because children hadn’t been interacting in face-to-face play.
- Over 50% of parents with children aged 5 to 9 say their children now struggle to make friends due to low self-confidence (English-Speaking Union survey).
- 45% of children aged 10–15 reported feeling lonely “often” or “some of the time”.
- Loneliness is linked to anxiety, depression and longer-term health risks (including increased risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia).
Is your child finding it hard to make friends?
Five Mile Films (the team behind Channel 4’s The Dog House) are looking for children aged 5–8 to take part in a heart-warming new BBC series about childhood friendships.
They’re filming this summer — if you’d like to help your child make a new friend, you can find info, T&Cs and the application form on the website.
Casting closes 9 July 2026, but they’re already speaking to families — so it’s worth applying as soon as you can.
Production details
Will You Be My Friend? is a 6 x 60’ series for BBC One and iPlayer, produced by Five Mile Films. Executive Producers are Nick Mirsky, Adam Chapman and Jordan Maloy. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery (former Head of Commissioning, Documentaries) and the Commissioning Editor is Beejal-Maya Patel. All3Media International acts as international partner.
If you’re a parent reading this and it’s struck a chord, you can apply here:
https://bemyfriend.tv.
EXPERIENCE AN EXCLUSIVE SUPPER CLUB AT FUMO MANCHESTER IN SUPPORT OF MAGGIE’S
Fumo Manchester is hosting an exclusive Supper Club celebrating the flavours of Puglia — all in support of Maggie’s, the charity providing vital cancer support. Guests will enjoy a curated four‑course menu, wine pairings and an intimate dining experience, with all profits donated to help families facing cancer.
Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Driving the Rise of Pre‑Nups
Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the conversation around marriage by embracing pre‑nups as a practical tool rather than a taboo. Armed with better financial literacy, greater access to information, and a realistic understanding of modern relationships, younger couples are approaching marriage with both romance and long‑term planning in mind. For many, a pre‑nup isn’t about mistrust — it’s about mutual respect, transparency, and protecting the lives they’ve built before saying “I do.”
Children’s Online Privacy: 75% of Parents Fear Kids Aren’t Making Safe Choices Online
New research from the ICO shows 75% of parents worry their children aren’t making safe choices online, yet many rarely talk about online privacy at home. A new campaign is now encouraging families to treat digital privacy as an essential life skill, just like road safety or stranger danger.
Auntie Cath Cooks: Chilled Honey Chicken Poke Bowl & A Hot Soy Beef Poke Bowl
In this edition of Auntie Cath Cooks, Catherine Tyldesley shares two fresh, flavour-packed recipes perfect for busy family life — a chilled honey chicken poke bowl and a hot soy beef poke bowl. Simple, satisfying and full of goodness, they’re ideal for an easy lunch or midweek dinner.
Märchenhotel Braunwald Review: A Fairytale Family Hotel in Switzerland
A stay at Märchenhotel Braunwald feels like stepping into a fairytale, with snowy mountain views, family-friendly touches, and plenty to keep little ones entertained. In this BROOD travel review, Lolo Stubbs shares why this Swiss hotel is a magical choice for a relaxing family escape.
The Stress Hangover Working Mothers Rarely Name
Working mothers often carry an invisible mental and emotional load long after the day appears to be done. In this powerful piece, Sarie Taylor explores the “stress hangover” — the exhaustion, anxiety and overwhelm that can surface once the crisis has passed — and offers a compassionate reframe for why it happens and what it really means.
How the Clocks Going Forward Affects Baby and Toddler Sleep
The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter, and for many parents that means one thing — sleep routines suddenly feel harder. In this expert column, Amanda shares why the seasonal light change can affect babies and toddlers, plus practical tips to help your child settle well, sleep longer, and wake less.
Women of the Year Awards 2026: Nominations Open for Inspirational Mums and Women Across the UK
The Women of the Year Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open to celebrate exceptional women making an impact across the UK. From business and leadership to community and motherhood, this is a timely reminder to recognise the women whose work deserves to be seen.
Endometriosis: The Invisible Load so many women are carrying
Endometriosis isn’t “just a bad period”. It’s a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t (often around the pelvis, but it can show up elsewhere too)
£1,081.227 raised at this year’s Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel was transformed last night for a dazzling celebration of philanthropy and performance, as friends, supporters, and celebrity guests gathered at the Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball raising £1,081.227 for children’s charities across the North-West.
EXPERIENCE AN EXCLUSIVE SUPPER CLUB AT FUMO MANCHESTER IN SUPPORT OF MAGGIE’S
Fumo Manchester is hosting an exclusive Supper Club celebrating the flavours of Puglia — all in support of Maggie’s, the charity providing vital cancer support. Guests will enjoy a curated four‑course menu, wine pairings and an intimate dining experience, with all profits donated to help families facing cancer.
Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Driving the Rise of Pre‑Nups
Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the conversation around marriage by embracing pre‑nups as a practical tool rather than a taboo. Armed with better financial literacy, greater access to information, and a realistic understanding of modern relationships, younger couples are approaching marriage with both romance and long‑term planning in mind. For many, a pre‑nup isn’t about mistrust — it’s about mutual respect, transparency, and protecting the lives they’ve built before saying “I do.”
Children’s Online Privacy: 75% of Parents Fear Kids Aren’t Making Safe Choices Online
New research from the ICO shows 75% of parents worry their children aren’t making safe choices online, yet many rarely talk about online privacy at home. A new campaign is now encouraging families to treat digital privacy as an essential life skill, just like road safety or stranger danger.
Auntie Cath Cooks: Chilled Honey Chicken Poke Bowl & A Hot Soy Beef Poke Bowl
In this edition of Auntie Cath Cooks, Catherine Tyldesley shares two fresh, flavour-packed recipes perfect for busy family life — a chilled honey chicken poke bowl and a hot soy beef poke bowl. Simple, satisfying and full of goodness, they’re ideal for an easy lunch or midweek dinner.
Märchenhotel Braunwald Review: A Fairytale Family Hotel in Switzerland
A stay at Märchenhotel Braunwald feels like stepping into a fairytale, with snowy mountain views, family-friendly touches, and plenty to keep little ones entertained. In this BROOD travel review, Lolo Stubbs shares why this Swiss hotel is a magical choice for a relaxing family escape.
The Stress Hangover Working Mothers Rarely Name
Working mothers often carry an invisible mental and emotional load long after the day appears to be done. In this powerful piece, Sarie Taylor explores the “stress hangover” — the exhaustion, anxiety and overwhelm that can surface once the crisis has passed — and offers a compassionate reframe for why it happens and what it really means.
How the Clocks Going Forward Affects Baby and Toddler Sleep
The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter, and for many parents that means one thing — sleep routines suddenly feel harder. In this expert column, Amanda shares why the seasonal light change can affect babies and toddlers, plus practical tips to help your child settle well, sleep longer, and wake less.
Women of the Year Awards 2026: Nominations Open for Inspirational Mums and Women Across the UK
The Women of the Year Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open to celebrate exceptional women making an impact across the UK. From business and leadership to community and motherhood, this is a timely reminder to recognise the women whose work deserves to be seen.
Endometriosis: The Invisible Load so many women are carrying
Endometriosis isn’t “just a bad period”. It’s a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t (often around the pelvis, but it can show up elsewhere too)
£1,081.227 raised at this year’s Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel was transformed last night for a dazzling celebration of philanthropy and performance, as friends, supporters, and celebrity guests gathered at the Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball raising £1,081.227 for children’s charities across the North-West.
EXPERIENCE AN EXCLUSIVE SUPPER CLUB AT FUMO MANCHESTER IN SUPPORT OF MAGGIE’S
Fumo Manchester is hosting an exclusive Supper Club celebrating the flavours of Puglia — all in support of Maggie’s, the charity providing vital cancer support. Guests will enjoy a curated four‑course menu, wine pairings and an intimate dining experience, with all profits donated to help families facing cancer.
Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Driving the Rise of Pre‑Nups
Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the conversation around marriage by embracing pre‑nups as a practical tool rather than a taboo. Armed with better financial literacy, greater access to information, and a realistic understanding of modern relationships, younger couples are approaching marriage with both romance and long‑term planning in mind. For many, a pre‑nup isn’t about mistrust — it’s about mutual respect, transparency, and protecting the lives they’ve built before saying “I do.”
Children’s Online Privacy: 75% of Parents Fear Kids Aren’t Making Safe Choices Online
New research from the ICO shows 75% of parents worry their children aren’t making safe choices online, yet many rarely talk about online privacy at home. A new campaign is now encouraging families to treat digital privacy as an essential life skill, just like road safety or stranger danger.
Auntie Cath Cooks: Chilled Honey Chicken Poke Bowl & A Hot Soy Beef Poke Bowl
In this edition of Auntie Cath Cooks, Catherine Tyldesley shares two fresh, flavour-packed recipes perfect for busy family life — a chilled honey chicken poke bowl and a hot soy beef poke bowl. Simple, satisfying and full of goodness, they’re ideal for an easy lunch or midweek dinner.
Märchenhotel Braunwald Review: A Fairytale Family Hotel in Switzerland
A stay at Märchenhotel Braunwald feels like stepping into a fairytale, with snowy mountain views, family-friendly touches, and plenty to keep little ones entertained. In this BROOD travel review, Lolo Stubbs shares why this Swiss hotel is a magical choice for a relaxing family escape.
The Stress Hangover Working Mothers Rarely Name
Working mothers often carry an invisible mental and emotional load long after the day appears to be done. In this powerful piece, Sarie Taylor explores the “stress hangover” — the exhaustion, anxiety and overwhelm that can surface once the crisis has passed — and offers a compassionate reframe for why it happens and what it really means.
How the Clocks Going Forward Affects Baby and Toddler Sleep
The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter, and for many parents that means one thing — sleep routines suddenly feel harder. In this expert column, Amanda shares why the seasonal light change can affect babies and toddlers, plus practical tips to help your child settle well, sleep longer, and wake less.
Women of the Year Awards 2026: Nominations Open for Inspirational Mums and Women Across the UK
The Women of the Year Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open to celebrate exceptional women making an impact across the UK. From business and leadership to community and motherhood, this is a timely reminder to recognise the women whose work deserves to be seen.
Endometriosis: The Invisible Load so many women are carrying
Endometriosis isn’t “just a bad period”. It’s a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t (often around the pelvis, but it can show up elsewhere too)
£1,081.227 raised at this year’s Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel was transformed last night for a dazzling celebration of philanthropy and performance, as friends, supporters, and celebrity guests gathered at the Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball raising £1,081.227 for children’s charities across the North-West.
