The BBC is broadcasting a series of programmes over the next few months which will follow the progress of twelve individuals as they spend seven days working to improve their confidence levels.

Tonight is the first in a series of six programmes being shown on Wednesday evenings at 9:50pm on BBC2, which feature the volunteers working with a team of specialist coaches to identify areas in which they had problems asserting their confidence. Among the coaches and trainers signed up to work with the subjects are Roy Leighton, who runs an arts-based training company for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Dr. Sandra Scott, specialist child psychiatrist and the Daily Mail's 'stress doctor' and Ros Taylor, MD of Plus Consulting Ltd.

Tonight's programme sees chef Nigel Rustage tackling the problems he feels are hampering his career progress, and Maria Heather, who grapples with public speaking. Future programmes will address issues such as family influences, body image, work potential and emotional agendas.

Having put out a call for people who were willing to put themselves forward for public exposure, the BBC received thousands of responses. It was particularly suprised to receive so many from men, many of whom had never felt able to admit their lack of confidence to others. It also became clear that the attentions of the Production team themselves had a positive effect on the volunteers confidence, even even before the filming began.

Along with following the series over the next few weeks, there is supporting information on the BBC website, giving viewers the chance to try out some of the exercises used on the programmes, ask an expert via e-mail or post messages on related topics. There are also feature articles on the issues raised in the programmes.

The BBC are also launching 'Get Confident!', an online confidence building course on 20th of January - you can register your interest in taking part on the site.