17 January 2018

   New and familiar faces will come together to present one of S4C's oldest television programmes when it returns with a new series on Sunday, 4 February.

The religious series Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canu has been an important part of the S4C schedule since 1989, but from now on there will be five new presenters.

These will include BBC News at Ten's, Huw Edwards, and rugby referee Nigel Owens who has spoken in the past of his love of the hymn 'Mor Fawr Wyt Ti' – which is the last song he listens to before going on the pitch.

Presenter Lisa Gwilym, actor and musician Ryland Teifi and presenter Nia Roberts, who has presented the series in the past, are the other three.

The series includes songs of praise from a variety of locations around Wales and interviews with people about their faith and beliefs. There will also be special programmes throughout the year marking important dates in the religious calendar and international celebrations.

The first programme in the series will have a rugby theme to coincide with the start of the NatWest 6 Nations 2018. Owain Arwel Hughes will be conducting the congregation at St David's Church, Neath.

There will be interesting discussions with rugby commentator Alun Wyn Bevan, Côr y Gleision conductor, Richard Vaughan, and Manon and Gwenan Gravell, daughters of the late Ray Gravell.

Amanda Rees, S4C's Creative Content Director says, "Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol is one of the highlights of S4C's Sunday night service. It's an opportunity to celebrate the tradition of hymn singing which is very characteristic to Wales. It's also an opportunity for special discussions with people about their values and moral beliefs. It will be wonderful to see the new presenters on screen in February, all of them bringing something different and exciting to the series."

ENDS