Mendes to do Shakespeare on BBC

The Oscar-winning film-maker Sam Mendes is bringing four of Shakespeare's history plays to the BBC.

Mendes said he "couldn't be more delighted", adding: "One of my earliest introductions to Shakespeare was watching the plays on TV, and it's terrific to have the opportunity to bring them to a wider audience."

Richard II, Henry IV Parts I and II, and Henry V will be shown on BBC2.