BBC1 lines up computer Jesus for £253m spring schedule

Agencies
guardian.co.uk, Monday March 26 2001 14.12 BST

A computer-generated image of what Jesus may have looked like has been created by the BBC for a new programme about the life of Christ.

The documentary series on BBC1, Son of God, uses the latest scientific technology to bring the story of Jesus Christ to life.

Detailed historical research aided by computer graphics reconstruct the life and times of Christ and re-examine some of the traditional Christian stories.

The programme is part of the channel's £253m spring and summer season, which was announced today.

"Son of God is one of the most exciting projects with which to launch the spring summer season," said Lorraine Heggessey, controller of BBC1.

"In some ways it is the epitome of my new BBC1 - it is accessible, modern in its approach and it is not afraid to challenge some cast-in-stone beliefs about what makes a mainstream popular programme.

"It also harnesses the strengths of the BBC in computer technology, strong journalism and landmark programming, dares to ask some surprising questions of the traditional Christian stories and comes up with some unexpected conclusions."