The BBC is seeking children in Essex to take part in a brand-new programme designed to support those who find it difficult to make friends.
'Will You Be My Friend?' will feature children aged five to eight.
Produced by Five Mile Films for BBC One and iPlayer, the show will follow their journeys as they learn how to build friendships with the help of a team of psychologists.
Emma Loach, interim head of commissioning, documentaries, said: "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."
The series will introduce viewers to a child who struggles socially and hasn’t yet found their circle of friends.
At the Friendship Centre, the children will take part in confidence-building sessions before being matched for a playdate with a potential friend.
The programme will revisit each child six weeks later to explore the impact of their experience at school and in everyday life.
Read more
The BBC hopes to cast children from Essex.
Families who believe their child could benefit from the experience can apply at https://bemyfriend.tv.
Filming takes place July and August, 2026.
Studies have highlighted the urgency of the issue, with 42 per cent of young people naming friendships and social life as a daily concern.
Research also shows that nearly half of parents noticed a decline in children’s social and emotional skills following the pandemic.
