Sir Ian McKellen, Naomie Harris, Daniel Radcliffe and more team up to defend the BBC

James Corden, Steve Coogan and Dame Judi Dench also feature

The BBC has played an integral part in developing UK culture for many years, giving many actors a first chance to appear on screen and introducing many more to the wonders of TV, film and music.

Unfortunately, the government are attempting to change the way things are done by the broadcaster, with funding cuts leading to BBC Three going online only and the Formula One and Olympics no longer being shown on its stations.

In a new video, made by an independent campaign led by Waheed Alli and Charlie Parsons, numerous actors and directors reveal their experiences with the BBC, both in appearing on the one its channels or how it introduced them to certain shows.

In one brilliant moment, Sir Ian Mckellen speaks about how Saturday night dramas introduced him to the world of acting: “I might get a bit teary because those are some of the best moments of my childhood.”

James Corden, who got his big break when the BBC picked up Gavin and Stacy, said the show would not have existed if it wasn’t for the BBC’s Royal Family.

On his favourite TV moments, Steve Googan mentioned the David Attenborough documentaries which are regularly made by the BBC. Watch the clip above.

Dame Judi Dench, Steve Boyle, Daniel Radcliffe and Naomi Harris also reveal their fondest BBC memories in the video.

The BBC is currently transitioning BBC 3 from a regular TV station into an online-only station, partnering with Idris Elba’s production company to make exciting new content. Read the full story here.