Lost and Found in the Lakes Recommissioned for Second Series by BBC One

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The popular BBC One Daytime series Lost and Found in the Lakes is set to return for a second series, following its success as the highest rating unscripted show in its time slot over the past year. Produced by Wrexham-based company Tŷ'r Ddraig, part of Banijay UK's Workerbee Group label, the show brings back presenter Helen Skelton and her team of specialists to the stunning Lake District in 2026.

The new 16-episode series, each lasting 30 minutes, will begin filming in late May. It continues to capture the excitement and emotion involved in locating lost treasures scattered across the lakebeds and forests of the region. Alongside Helen Skelton, the team of experts includes divers, detectorists, and magnet fishers who search for these valuable items.

Once found, the team returns the objects to base. Some are reunited directly with their delighted owners, while others require further investigation. To identify the owners of unclaimed finds, the show employs a social media detective who launches online campaigns to help reconnect treasures with their rightful people. Unclaimed items may also be given new life through the craftsmanship of local artists.

The first series featured memorable moments, including a dramatic rescue of a drone sunk 35 meters in Lake Windermere. The drone contained irreplaceable wedding photographs for newlyweds Alex and Mary. After an initial unsuccessful search, the diving team located the drone on their second attempt, restoring the couple's precious memories.

Social media detective Mui played a vital role throughout the first series, successfully returning various lost items such as smart watches to wild swimmers and families, GoPro cameras to a charity supporting young carers in Blackpool, and phones recovered from Bassenthwaite Lake.

Helen Skelton shared her enthusiasm about the new series: "I am thrilled to be returning to my home in the Lake District for a second series of Lost and Found in the Lakes. I had a fantastic experience returning lost treasures to their owners and I cannot wait to get back to it!"

Zoe Thorman, Executive Producer at Tŷ'r Ddraig, expressed her excitement as well: "We are extremely pleased that Lost and Found in the Lakes has been recommissioned for a second series. I am excited to get back to the Lakes to start recovering more items with our talented team of experts."

Ben Smith, Creative Director at Tŷ'r Ddraig, added: "We are so proud of the success of our first series, which was a joy to put together. Witnessing so many people reunited with the precious items they thought they'd never see again was incredible. We can't wait to go again this summer and capture even more jaw-dropping and emotional moments."

Alex McLeod, BBC Daytime Commissioning Editor, said: "The first series of Lost and Found in the Lakes was a big hit with viewers, thanks to its irresistible mix of drama, emotion, and beautiful scenery. We're thrilled to be bringing it back for a second series and can't wait to see what finds the team will discover next."

Lost and Found in the Lakes is commissioned for BBC One Daytime and BBC iPlayer by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, with Alex McLeod as Commissioning Editor. The series is made by Tŷ'r Ddraig, with Zoe Thorman as Executive Producer and Ben Smith as Creative Director.

The show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2026.