Social media sensation Big Manny is taking his talents to the small screen in the BBC's newest series, courtesy of the team behind the hit show Horrible Histories.

Horrible Science made its debut on CBBC on May 9, with the entire series available to stream on iPlayer. Following the successful format of Horrible Histories, this new comedy series makes learning science fun and engaging for kids through quick-witted sketches, all centred around scientific concepts.

Of its fifteen episodes, five focus on subjects covered in primary school curriculums, including outer space, motion, light, and electricity.

The show features a reoccurring cast, with guest appearances by First Dates' Fred Sirieix and social media personality Big Manny, who is sure to be a new face for many viewers. Here, we explore the viral star's life beyond the screen.

Big Manny, whose real name is Emanuel Wallace, initially gained fame on social media. The BBC star began posting educational science content on TikTok in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to learn remotely, reports the Daily Record.

After graduating with a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of East London, Manny landed a role as a science technician in a secondary school. His experience there inspired him to create and share videos online.

"I could see first-hand that students were struggling in science because of the lockdown," Manny shared with Chemistry World in 2023.

With his relatable and informative content, Big Manny's online presence grew, paving the way for his appearance on Horrible Science. Since his digital debut four years ago, he's now a TikTok sensation with two million followers to his name, alongside another 1.6 million fans on Instagram.

Manny's not just an online hit though—he scooped up the Education Creator of the Year award at the first-ever TikTok Awards in December 2024.

His knack for melding London street talk with intricate science has won over the youth audience. His ultimate goal is to show that a career in science isn't off-limits due to one's heritage or socioeconomic standing.

Speaking to The Voice in 2024, Manny shared his vision: "So what I am trying to do with my platform is show young people that there are scientists out there that look like you, talk like you, dress like you, come from the same background as you.

"So if they can become a scientist then there is no reason why you can't as well."

In an unexpected twist this January, Manny captivated his audience with a surprise Royal collaboration. Prince William teamed up with him during an excursion to Nature Metrics, an organisation dedicated to exploring environmental DNA.

The Duke of Cambridge jokingly referred to himself as "Manny's beautiful assistant," before the duo demonstrated the technique for extracting DNA from a strawberry. This brief 48-second TikTok tutorial clocked in over six million views, leading to a social media frenzy.

One shocked viewer couldn't contain their surprise, exclaiming: "PAUSE? ? IS THAT PRINCE WILLIAM??" Meanwhile, another was equally taken aback, remarking humorously: " I LITERALLY BLINKED TWICE TO CONFIRM WHAT I WAS SEEING."

Big Manny guest stars in Horrible Science, streaming now on BBC iPlayer.