Clydebank children invited to take part in new BBC One series

Will You Be My Friend? is a six-part series from the award-winning producers of Channel 4’s The Dog House, and one of the BAFTA-winning producers of First Dates.

It will follow children aged five to eight who struggle to make friends, whether due to shyness, feeling out of place, or simply not having found "their tribe" yet.

Parents in Clydebank and the surrounding areas who worry about their children making friends are encouraged to get in touch with the production team to learn more about taking part in the programme.

Emma Loach, interim head of commissioning, documentaries at the BBC, 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.

"Five Mile Films has brought us something very special, and we couldn't be prouder to give it a home on the BBC."

New BBC series Will You Be My Friend? is inviting Clydebank children to take part (Image: Supplied)

At the heart of the series is the Friendship Centre, where psychologists help children build the confidence and social skills needed to form lasting connections.

Each child will be matched with a potential new friend from their local area and goes on a play date designed to help them bond.

Six weeks later, the programme will revisit the children to see how their new friendships have affected their lives at school, in the playground, and beyond.

Nick Mirsky, chief executive of Five Mile Films, said: "I don’t think there’s a commission I could be more thrilled to bring to Five Mile.

"Will You Be My Friend? will be joyful, warm and funny, but it also does something genuinely new – inviting us to look closely at the challenge and art of making friends."

The series is a timely reminder that just one friend can completely change your life.

Will You Be My Friend? is produced by Five Mile Films, with Nick Mirsky, Adam Chapman, and Jordan Maloy serving as executive producers.

It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, former head of commissioning, documentaries, and the commissioning editor is Beejal-Maya Patel.

To find out more about the series and submit an application, visit: bemyfriend.tv.