The TV presenter delves into a specialist police unit to understand more about the devastating impact of stalking
Stacey Dooley delves into a specialist police unit to understand more about the devastating impact of stalking
Stacey Dooley MBE, known for her TV programmes that tackle social issues, such as child labour and women’s rights, is launching a new programme on the devastating impact of stalking on a victim’s life.
In Stacey Dooley, Stalkers, the TV presenter embeds herself into the Cheshire Police Specialist Stalking Unit to try and understand the crime.
Airing in two parts, the show premieres on 19 January on BBC One at 10.35pm.
But what happens in the show, and has Dooley been stalked before?
What is Stacey Dooley, Stalkers about?
Dooley will shadow the Cheshire Police Specialist Stalking Unit in an attempt to understand stalking and the impact it has on victims.
The Stalking Unit is one of only three across the country and is dedicated to preventing stalking from escalating into violence and even murder.
In the first part of the documentary, she will meet people who have been stalked by their former partners – and perpetrators of the crime.
Dooley will talk to Stacy, 25, who hopes her ex will be convicted of stalking when his case goes to court.
Dooley will also speak to Katie, whose ex, currently in prison for sending abusive messages and faking an attack, is now being considered for early release.
She will also follow the story of Andy, who has just come out of prison after being convicted of stalking.
The second part, due to air on 26 January, will investigate stranger stalking, and what can be done to prevent the crime.
The programme will also look at rehabilitation, and whether prison or therapy works better.
In the second part of the series, the stories followed include those of a 22-year-old dancer who is being stalked by an obsessed fan; a fraud investigator who is using their skills to cyberstalk their work colleague; and a 62-year-old man who has been stalking a physiotherapist half his age for the last seven years.
In the documentary, Dooley said: “Prior to these films, I perhaps hadn’t taken into account just how truly devastating and life-changing stalking can be. Victims are often forced to change their lives entirely and often likened their normality to simply ‘existing’… These survivors deserve to be heard and prioritised.”
BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell, said: “Stacey remains one of the most authentic voices around, and her documentaries are incredibly popular with the BBC Three audience.
“These films are so timely and will look at the consequences of stalking and the way it can devastate lives.”
When is Stacey Dooley: Stalkers on TV?
The two-part programme airs on BBC One on 19 January and 26 January at 10.35pm.
The series will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Has Stacy Dooley been stalked before?
Dooley has revealed she has received letters similar to those sent by a stalker to his ex-girlfriend in her new documentary.
When reading the letter she said: “This letter feels quite measured. It is basically a love letter just saying… I am still madly in love with you.
“The only paragraph that I suppose some people might find a bit strange is: ‘I can’t move past my feelings for you and I don’t want to. Christ, I still sleep with one of your hair clips on the bedtable just so I can still be near you in some small way.’”
Dooley admits that she has “received similar letters… apart from the hair clip detail”.
No further details of her experience have been revealed.
Two-part series Stacey Dooley – Stalkers will air on 19 and 26 January at 10.35pm on BBC One.
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