The Passion updates

We promised we would keep you updated on all the latest news about the up and coming BBC Series The Passion. This fresh look at Jesus' last days on earth is set to be a fantastic opportunity to put Jesus firmly at the centre of Easter once more.

Bringing the story to life on the small screen, images of the The Passion show what can be expected from this exciting series. Take a look at the pictures of James Nesbitt as Pontius Pilate, Joseph Mawle as Jesus and Mary Magdelene played by Paloma Baeza.

Hear our exclusive interviews from the premier

Play Audio Clip

Andy Walton spoke to Mark Goodacre, Associate Professor in New Testament, Duke University, USA. Andy asked him if he understands why some Christians are nervous when it come to new interpretations of the gospels.

Play Audio Clip

Andy asked Joseph Mawle who plays Jesus if the prospect of portraying Jesus in prime time made him nervous.

Play Audio Clip

Our reporter Andy Walton asked writer Frank Deasy why he tackled The Passion story at this stage in his career.

Play Audio Clip

Joel Edwards, Outgoing General Director of the Evangelical Alliance was asked what his reaction was having just seen a preview of the first episode.

Play Audio Clip

Andy asked Paloma Baeza (Mary Magdalene) if the way she plays Mary will change people's perception of her.

A sneak preview

Episode 1 on Palm Sunday 16th March, BBC ONE, 8pm (after Eastenders)

The story begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The City is preparing to celebrate Passover, a busy and tense time between the Romans and the Jewish officials.The arrival of a preacher called Jesus from Galilee causes great excitement when He enters through the East Gate on a donkey's colt – fulfilling prophecies of the coming of the Messiah.

This is the moment the Jews have been waiting for. The disciples too, are expecting Jesus to take the Temple by storm, but little did they expect the events that are about to unfold.

Episode 2 on Monday 17th March, BBC ONE, 8pm (after Eastenders)

Jesus is in the temple talking to a growing crowd and is preaching revolutionary and provocative teachings. High Priest, Caiaphas is angered by Jesus’ words and begins to gather together a plan to quash this rebellious preacher.

Jesus later tries to explain to his Disciples his prediction of his arrest trial, betrayal and execution. He asks to share a meal with them for one last time.

Episode 3 on Good Friday 21st March, BBC ONE, 9pm (after Question of Sport)

Jesus shares his Last Supper with the disciples, and teaches them their last and most important lesson. Whilst Judas slips away to fetch the Temple guards, Jesus leads the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane and tries to prepare himself for what is to come. The next few hours will bring him face to face with Caiaphas, with Pilate and with his own destiny.

Episode 4 on Easter Sunday 23rd March, BBC ONE, time TBC (around 8pm)

As Jesus is taken from the cross and buried, his disciples cower in hiding. Caiaphas, fearful that the body will be stolen, orders the tomb to be guarded. But when Mary Magdalene discovers it empty, a chain of events is about to begin that will transform the lives of the disciples and reverberate throughout the world for the next two thousand years.