News
China’s farmers take on TV challenge
THE series Fferm Ffactor has recruited a new audience in the world’s most populated country, as the format is sold to a Chinese broadcaster.
The popular farming challenge series – which sees farmers tested on all aspects of agriculture work – has been licensed by Chinese broadcaster CCTV 7 by the Welsh production company, Cwmni Da. CCTV 7 has commissioned an eight part series.
The Fferm Ffactor brand was established by Irish producers Good Company Productions for TG4. Cwmni Da developed the format and the first Welsh series was broadcast on S4C in 2009. Since then Cwmni Da has been working with the Irish company and distributors Nordic World to sell the format to other countries.
This latest sale will introduce the format to an Asian audience for the first time – in the world’s most populated country, which employs over 300 million farmers, and has the most sheep of any country in the world!
“It’s obvious that agriculture is very important in China,” says Fferm Ffactor producer Non Griffith. “We’re not sure yet what sorts of tasks the Chinese producers will set for their farmers, but we look forward to finding out more during the next few months.”
It’s an exciting development as S4C viewers prepare for the start of the latest series on Wednesday, October 16 7.30 (English subtitles). Each year S4C’s Fferm Ffactor expands and grows, moving up a gear and turning up the heat. And the same is true about the new series as it extends to an hour long programme for the first time ever – more time for quizzing, testing and challenging the farmers!
Gaynor Davies, S4C Content Commissioner says, “Fferm Ffactor has a strong following among S4C viewers and we look forward to welcoming the series back to the screen for the fifth time. The format has wide appeal and it has the potential for development and adaption for the audience, which makes it an attractive prospect for international broadcasters. We’re proud that programmes made and developed in Wales are recognised in this way, and entertain audiences across the world.”
In 2012, it was announced that producers in six European countries had bought the rights to develop their own versions in France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The Danish channel DR will broadcast their series during autumn 2013, and the format has also been sold to New Zealand.
Go to s4c.co.uk/ffermffactor to find out about the new series on S4C and get to know the 10 farmers taking on this year’s challenge.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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