Video | Monday, 16th July 2018

University cheerleading squad appear on new BBC One ident

Segment filmed at Platt Lane by director - and former student - Martin Parr

Manchester Manchester University's cheerleading squad MMU Cheer Elite is one of two groups from Manchester to star in the latest BBC One idents which will be seen by TV viewers across the country. 

The cheerleaders, clad in the traditional orange and blue kit, filmed their short segment in June at the University's Platt Lane Sports Complex in Fallowfield.

Martin Parr, one of the most celebrated documentary photographers of our time and a University alumnus himself, directed the shoot.

Viewers saw the clip for the first time on Saturday, July 14, during the BBC's coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The Manchester idents are airing during the Great Exhibition of the North, which the BBC has pledged to support. 

We hope the viewers enjoying seeing what we’re able to do

'We had a brilliant time'

Phoebe Slade of MMU Cheer Elite said: “We had a brilliant time filming with Martin Parr in Manchester.

"It’s really exciting that we’re going to be seen cheering on BBC One and we hope the viewers enjoy seeing what we’re able to do and how much fun we have doing it.”

The second Manchester group to film an ident was a taekwondo group based in Trafford.

Representing Manchester

Helen Thomas, Director of BBC England, said: “It’s fantastic to see Manchester communities represented in the new BBC One idents, which are great fun. We have a commitment to bring more content to audiences in the north of England and now, with these new idents, we’re able to bring a little bit of Manchester to the rest of the UK.”

The idents were created by BBC Creative, the BBC’s in house creative agency, and are part of the BBC’s Oneness campaign, which is about bringing the nation together and representing the rich diversity of communities living in the UK.

BBC One’s idents showcase a variety of groups across the UK who are united by a singular passion.

Main photo: BBC/Martin Parr

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