Episode 3

In episode 3...

In the final programme of the series, Len explores Titanic’s legacy. He discovers what life was like for crew on board Titanic, through the memoirs of one of the stewardesses on board. And in order to get a sense of what Titanic was really like, he takes a tour around her modern-day counterpart, the Queen Mary 2. Just like Titanic a century ago, this is now the largest cruise liner in the world.

He learns how, in the struggle to put the disaster behind them, the family of the man who owned Titanic did its best to forget all about their connection to the ship. Through the stories of two Irish brothers in steerage, Len discovers that, on Titanic, having money could save your life, and reveals the statistics that show that the price of your ticket reflected the value of your life.

He finds out how a respectable sea captain who was blamed for the deaths of all on board Titanic was still fighting to clear his name right up to his death in the 1960’s. Unfortunately, the key piece of evidence to clear his name was not discovered until 1985 after he had died. It was the wreck of the ship.

And Len discovers how the Titanic disaster changed sea travel for ever. A new, international convention was introduced to make travelling at sea safe and fair for, all regardless of class. Len speaks to the modern sea captain who, today, follows these laws to the letter.

Len says: “Making this series has been a fascinating journey for me. You might think the Titanic story was just about a ship that sank. But I’ve found out there is so much more to it than that. The real story of the Titanic isn’t about a ship, it’s about people, and in making this series I’ve been lucky to meet some wonderful personalities who astonished me with their tales of how Titanic affected their families forever. We filmed all over the UK, but spent a whole week in Belfast where I had a wonderful time meeting people. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and really hope everyone will get as much enjoyment watching it at home.”

Edward Hart, who directed and produced the series, says: “Working with Len was a total pleasure. He’s a constant professional who’s determined to get it right whatever the weather. He’s also sharp as a tack, with a curious mind and, as we all know from Strictly, a lovely manner with people. That, and his own experience in a Harland and Wolff shipyard, made him the ideal man with whom to explore Titanic’s legacy.”