A special documentary, described as a "moving and inspirational account of the last chapter" of Ozzy Osbourne's life, has been mysteriously rescheduled without any given explanation. The programme, titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, was set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 9pm this evening (August 18), offering "unique and intimate access to the whole Osbourne family", including wife Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack.
However, the one-off, hour-long documentary - which was announced at the beginning of this month - has now disappeared from BBC TV listings and has been replaced by Fake or Fortune. A spokesperson for the BBC has since told the Mirror that the "film has moved in the schedules" and new premiere details will be shared "in due course". Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy passed away aged 76 on July 22 from a reported heart attack, just weeks after reuniting with the band on stage as part of The Back To The Beginning farewell concert in Birmingham. This follows Sharon Osbourne breaking down in tears at Ozzy's funeral in heartbreaking scenes.
The programme, which was filmed over three years, "captures the extraordinary rollercoaster of their lives" as Ozzy and Sharon "attempt to complete their long-held dream of moving back to the UK", the BBC stated earlier this month when promoting the documentary.
The documentary also showcases musician Ozzy as he "heroically battles to get fit enough to perform" and the family grappling with "the dramatic consequences of his ill health". Kelly was quoted in the film saying: "Iron Man wasn't really made of iron.". The rock star was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019.
On August 7, the head of commissioning at BBC Documentaries, Clare Sillery, expressed: "We are honoured to have had the opportunity to film with Ozzy and his family. The film captures an intimate glimpse into their journey as they prepare to return to the UK.
"It features family moments, humour, reflection and shows the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzy's fans and viewers as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life."
Ben Wicks and Colin Barr, executive producers at production company Expectation, added: "It was an incredible privilege to spend the last few years with Ozzy , as well as Sharon, Jack and Kelly. Ozzy wanted to make it back to the UK and appear on stage one last time – our film is an inspiring and poignant account of him fulfilling that dream.
"Ozzy was loved by millions around the world not just for his music, but for his sense of mischief and his honesty, all of which we saw plenty of in the final years of his life. But one thing shone through even more brightly to us, and that was Ozzy's intense love for his exceptional family who were by his side through it all."
The programme was initially envisioned as a series, revealed in 2022 and titled Home To Roost, which was set to chronicle Ozzy and Sharon's relocation back from the US, where they had resided for over two decades, to rural Buckinghamshire.
However, the project "evolved as Ozzy's health deteriorated" into the one-hour film, the BBC said. Last month, supporters assembled alongside Ozzy's family to honour the star as a funeral procession travelled through Birmingham.
Sharon and the couple's children could be seen wiping away tears when they arrived at the Black Sabbath bench, where thousands of tributes, balloons and flowers were left.
Musicians from Bostin Brass performed Black Sabbath songs to accompany the procession, and supporters threw flowers at the hearse as it slowly passed through the city.
