The River Hunters are back for a third series on Sky History, due to premiere in November.

DURHAM underwater archaeologist Gary Bankhead has spoken of his excitement after a third series of River Hunters was announced.

The new series, due to air on the Sky History channel in November, once again pairs river detectorist and US YouTube sensation Beau Ouimette with TV presenter Rick Edwards, as they delve into the depths of Britain’s watery past.

As in previous series, Rick and Beau will be joined by diving archaeologist and the series’ resident expert Gary.

Using state-of-the-art underwater technology, live drone footage and accounts from the period, Gary, Beau and Rick perform the first underwater archaeological surveys in some of the most exciting and iconic historical sites in Britain, often in dangerous and fast-flowing water.

The new series will see the River Hunters travel across Scotland, England and Wales in their bid to uncover items of historical significance in the rivers which bore witness to some of the most iconic moments in British history.

This will include include the Roman occupation, the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century, the Wars of the Roses and the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.

Gary said he was not surprised that a third series had been commissioned, due to the popularity of the first two.

He said: “The announcement that a third series of Sky History’s River Hunters had been commissioned by A+E Networks UK came as no real surprise to me given how popular the show has become in such a short time.

“Plus, I had been working with Hello Halo Productions since the start of the year to research and recce potential sites for the episodes.

“During those dark, long winter days of the second lockdown, it was the perfect escapism for me to be able to delve back through the contemporary accounts of some of the Britain’s most bloody conflicts.

“I recall being so engrossed with the research that when I was despatched to actually recce the historical battlefields it was like being transported back through time to the day of the battle.

“I really got a sense of the scale of the brutal, often horrific events that must have taken place.

“In terms of filming the episodes, it’s clear that the research is priceless, Rick, Beau and I always seem to end up in some simply stunning river locations, each with an amazing story to tell – and when we start finding objects, and we always do, they really help contribute to our understanding of the site’s rich history.

“For me, it’s a truly wonderful experience to be part of the River Hunters team.”

Rick said: “More rivers! More hitherto unseen history! More figure-hugging neoprene! There are many reasons to be excited about this new series, but personally I’m just relieved that all the time and money I’ve spent on kayak lessons won’t be for nothing.”

Beau added: “The waters may be cold, deep and murky, but unwritten history is just a single breath away.

“I look forward to the challenges and excitement of exploring those waters and bringing to light artefacts that have been lost to the ages and will dazzle and delight historians and the public alike. Rick and I again venture forth in search of things lost deep below the river’s surface and are confident that great adventure, camaraderie and historical discovery await us yet again this summer.”

River Hunters was commissioned by Dan Korn, VP of Programming for A+E Networks UK. Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor for A+E Networks UK, will executive produce the series for Sky HISTORY.

Dan Korn said: “Off the back of a fantastic second series, we’re really looking forward to Beau, Rick and Gary being back on Sky History later this year. After two series of truly fascinating finds from the Bronze Age right through to World War 2, we can’t wait to see what they manage to unearth in their next adventures”.

For Hello Halo Productions, Graham Mitchell is Executive Producer, with Lindsay Goodall and Mark Drake as Directors.

Graham Mitchell said: “River Hunters has perfected the art of showing that we are in a country of living history. It may be below the surface, in the mud, or under a rock but, if it’s there, in series 3, the River Hunters team will find it.”

Filming of River Hunters series three has begun filming with broadcast dates to be confirmed by Sky HISTORY.

Sky History is available on Sky 123, Virgin Media 270 and NOW TV.

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