BBC Two creates a series of programmes to look at how the recession is changing Britain

BBC Two has announced its spring-summer schedule with a series of programmes that will focus on the effect of the recession on Britain. Some of the channel's best known presenters have been drafted in to take part in the Recession Britain Season.

Mary Portas will look at the high street, Newsnight's economics editor Paul Mason will examine unemployment and Sir Gerry Robinson will tackle manufacturing and the motor industry.

Kate Silverton will host Property Watch, which will explore how the changes in the property market are affecting people's lives. Economy Gastronomy, sees Allegra McEvedy and Paul Merrett showing how you can slash budgets and still eat well.

The series also sees Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud make her acting debut. The film Freefall also forms part of the Recession Britain season which looks at the effects of the downturn on ordinary lives.

The Girls Aloud star plays a nail technician who dreams of owning her own chain of beauty salons and her partner, played by Mamma Mia star Dominic Cooper, shamelessly lines his pockets by selling homebuyers mortgages they cannot afford.

Freefall was directed by Bafta-winner Dominic Savage, and the drama was completely unscripted, the actors improvising scenes and responding during filming to real events in the financial markets.

Outside of the programmes focusing on the recession, BBC Two will be showing some great TV. James May will present a documentary about space travel, marking the 40th anniversary of the lunar landings, and On Thin Ice follows dare devil pair James Cracknell and Ben Fogle in the race to South pole.