London, 24th September 2026: UKTV has commissioned an eighth series of Canal Boat Diaries (8x60’) for U (u.co.uk) and U&YESTERDAY, with waterways explorer Robbie Cumming returning aboard his narrowboat Naughty Lass for a brand-new journey through Northern England.
In this returning much-loved series, Robbie heads north to explore some of the country’s most characterful – and often challenging – waterways. Travelling along routes including the Calder and Hebble Navigation, Huddersfield Broad Canal, Aire and Calder Navigation and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the series offers an immersive journey through landscapes shaped by industry, engineering and natural beauty.
Robbie Cumming says,“Heading north on the canals feels like stepping into a different world altogether. The waterways up here have a real sense of character, and they don’t make things easy for you. From demanding lock flights to big, open stretches that test your nerve, it’s a part of the network I’ve long wanted to spend more time exploring. I’ve set off with a plan, of course, but the truth is, things never quite go the way you expect, and that’s exactly where the adventure lies.”
Canal Boat Diariesis commissioned for UKTV by TJ Tracy-Jean, commissioning executive and ordered for U&YESTERDAY by Gerald Casey, director of programming, unscripted, and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. The series producer is Stuart Woodman and the executive producer is David Sumnall at Middlechild.
TJ Tracy-Jean says “There was one very important reason to bring back Canal Boat Diaries for series 8 - Robbie's loyal audience who want more time on the Naughty Lass, exploring more of Britain’s waterways and witnessing more of the highs and lows of narrowboat living.”
David Sumnall says “We’re all delighted to be back onboard the Naughty Lass with Robbie and the brilliant team at UKTV. We can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store for series eight.”
Canal Boat Diaries series 8 is filming now and will be available on U and air on U&YESTERDAY next year. All seven series of Canal Boat Diaries are available to stream free now on U. Three "best-of" episodes comprising moments from series 1-6 will air in December.
For more information, please contact:
Ben Duncan, Communications Manager - Unscripted, UKTV