Three new documentaries from Stacey Dooley announced

BBC Documentaries today announces three brand new powerful documentaries from Stacey Dooley for BBC Three and iPlayer, each looking at timely issues facing the UK today.

In Death in the Barracks, Stacey explores the events leading up to Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck’s tragic death at her barracks at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire.

Fallen Women sees Stacey look into a series of cases involving British women who died following falls from height, asking whether patterns of domestic abuse may have been overlooked in some of these deaths.

In Down the K-Hole Stacey spends five months in a Stockport rehabilitation unit, to find out if former users can overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives.

Stacey Dooley says: “Each one of these documentaries explores difficult, often overlooked issues, from the deaths of women where crucial questions remain, to the growing impact of ketamine use, and for some, the devastating reality faced by those living in military barracks.

“They are going to be some of the most challenging, and important films I’ve worked on here in the UK I’m sure. The access we have been afforded to meet those affected, to hear their stories and try to understand the broader picture feels like an enormous responsibility and one that isn’t lost on me. I would like to thank everyone who has agreed to contribute. And I hope all three films encourage thoughtful conversations.”

Emma Loach, Interim Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, says: “We’re incredibly proud to be bringing this new run of films with Stacey to audiences. She has a rare ability to connect with people and tell complex, often uncomfortable stories with warmth, clarity and real humanity.

“Across these documentaries, Stacey draws attention to urgent and deeply troubling issues here in the UK, creating space for voices and experiences that are too often unheard. These are powerful, intimate films that reflect the very best of British storytelling.

"We’re hugely grateful to all those who have shared their personal stories with us for their openness and courage.”

Stacey Dooley: Death In The Barracks (W/T)

In December 2021, 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck was found dead in her barracks at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire after a Christmas party. Her death was ruled a suicide, but it soon emerged that in the months before her death Jaysley had been sexually assaulted by a senior colleague and subjected to relentless harassment by her line manager, including sending her over 4600 Whatsapp messages. The coroner ruled that the Army’s handling of Jaysley’s complaint contributed to her death.

With unprecedented access to Jaysley’s family, friends and former Army colleagues, the film traces her journey from proud teenager excited to serve her country to a young woman struggling inside an institution that should have protected her. Stacey follows Jaysley’s family through the legal process as they seek justice and accountability for what happened, and as they fight for changes to the way that the Armed Forces handle serious complaints.

At a moment when Britain is asking more young people to consider military service, the documentary confronts urgent questions about sexism, abuse of power and accountability within the Armed Forces. The military acknowledge the problems and are bringing in measures to improve things, but, Stacey asks, has enough changed to prevent another tragedy like Jaysley’s death?

Stacey Dooley: Death in the Barracks (w/t) is a 1 x 60’ for BBC Three and iPlayer and made by Sandpaper Films. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. The Executive Producer for Sandpaper Films is Susannah Price and the Commissioning Executive for the BBC is Shona Thompson.

Fallen Women With Stacey Dooley (W/T)

The film begins with the story of Bianca Thomas, a young mother from Birmingham whose death after falling from an 11th-floor balcony was ruled accidental. Stacey meets Bianca’s family and friends who are unhappy with the verdict and who still have questions about the circumstances of her death.

This case leads Stacey to examine women whose deaths occurred in ambiguous circumstances, often following allegations or histories of coercive and violent relationships.

Stacey meets Bianca’s family and friends who are unhappy with the verdict and who still have questions about the circumstances of her death

Women are more likely than men to die in suspicious circumstances in falls from height.

Through intimate interviews with bereaved families, experts, campaigners and law enforcement, the documentary explores the challenges police face investigating these cases, and the growing campaign for “Bee’s Law”, which would encourage such scenes to be treated more consistently as potential crime scenes.

Taking Stacey into a little understood and deeply troubling world, this powerful film examines grief, justice and the difficult questions surrounding women who die after falling from height in the context of abusive relationships.

Fallen Women with Stacey Dooley is a 1 x 60' for BBC Three and iPlayer and made by Story Films. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning Documentaries. The Executive Producers for Story Films are Natasha Bondy, Josie Besbrode and Pete Beard, directed by Angela Byrne, the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Beejal-Maya Patel.

Stacey Dooley: Down The K-Hole

Ketamine is one of the most popular recreational drugs amongst under 24-year-olds in the UK*, but an increasing number of people are being treated for its damaging side effects on their bodies and minds.

Stacey follows several of the rehab’s clients through their treatment as they learn to reconnect with life, without drugs. From owl sanctuaries and sound baths to unexpected relationships and moments of humour, she experiences a side of recovery rarely seen on screen.

Stacey discovers that most ketamine users live with chronic pain, bladder damage and long-term medical complications, which is why the drug is so hard to give up, “It’s this vicious circle, you’re in agony so you take ket to numb the pain, then you’re in agony again … that’s not sustainable, there are going to be serious consequences.” One 26-year-old explains that years of use have left him needing bladder reconstruction surgery.

Following their raw and emotional journeys, witnessing setbacks and victories, Stacey learns what it takes to break free from the grip of ketamine.

Stacey Dooley: Down the K-Hole is a 1 x 60’ for BBC Three and iPlayer and made by Nine Lives Media. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. The Executive Producers for Nine Lives Media are Cat Lewis and Daniel Harrison, the Commissioning Editor is Fran Baker and the Commissioning Executive is Shona Thompson.

*Source: Read Ketamine: an updated review of use and harms on the UK Government website

EF/MF2

Follow for more