Helen Mirren, Russell Brand Set For New Documentary Series THE BRITISH

According to The Hollywood Reporter, British stars Dame Helen Mirren, Russell Brand and singer Jessie J will delve into their homeland's history as part of a new TV series about the U.K. The trio, along with several other celebrities, will discuss the story of Great Britain and Ireland in the new documentary THE BRITISH.

Mirren will tackle the topic of William Shakespeare, a subject she believes is the ideal way to sum up what it means to be British. Says the actress, "If you wanted to teach someone who knew absolutely nothing about the British people, it would be very good to guide them to Shakespeare. "You could see the foolishness, the humour, the brutality - it's all in almost every play."

Commented Brand, "It’s nice to be able to reach back into the past and feel that you have an identity that’s built on an oceanic, rolling history."

The series will premiere in the UK on September 12th.