The runaway success of The Da Vinci Code novel, which provocatively cast Mary Magdalene as the wife of Jesus and sparked new interest in the Virgin Mary, has focused unprecedented attention on the two women most central to Jesus Christ’s life.

Looking to capitalise on this interest is news broadcaster CNN. It will air the documentary The Two Marys: The Madonna And The Magdalene on 25 December at 8:30 pm and on 26 December at 10:30 am and at 4:30 pm.

The documentary narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver explores historical evidence and surprising new theories surrounding the two Marys. If true, they could revolutionise more than 2,000 years of Christian teachings about the role of women in the church.

The documentary was filmed in the UK, France, Israel, Italy, Portugal and the US. It features interviews with scholars dedicated to investigating the lives of both Marys and with theologians who examine what this means for believers. The programme also takes viewers to shrines around the world where people have invoked the name of the Marys for healing and miracles and explores elements of the women’s lives that have sparked intense debate, such as whether Mary was really a virgin and if Mary Magdalene was the wife of Jesus and his first apostle.