A captivating two-part documentary on BBC Two is set to unveil the dramatic highs and lows experienced by prominent girlbands of the 90s. The program, titled “Girlbands Forever,” uncovers startling revelations ranging from body shaming to distressing decisions like abortions.
Delving into a bygone era where the concept of ‘duty of care’ was foreign to record labels, the documentary sheds light on the harsh realities faced by girl group members. It features candid accounts from iconic bands like Sugababes, Atomic Kitten, Eternal, Mis-teeq, and the well-known Little Mix, offering a glimpse into the challenges of being part of successful girl bands in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Conceived by veteran broadcaster Louis Theroux, the documentary includes a poignant testimony from Melanie Blatt, a former member of All Saints. Melanie, now 50, discloses the pressure she faced to undergo an abortion during the band’s peak period, alongside her bandmate Nicole. Despite the coercion, Melanie chose to keep her child, Lilyella, born in November 1998, while Nicole opted for the termination, as revealed in their 2002 autobiography.
The narrative extends to other girl groups of that iconic era, such as the Spice Girls, highlighting the challenges faced by artists like Kéllé Bryan of Eternal, who, at only 15, was pushed to lose weight during the group’s heyday. The documentary also features Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten, who shares the intense pressures and body image struggles she encountered in the music industry.
Additionally, the show delves into personal accounts from Kerry Katona, another former Atomic Kitten member, who reflects on her tumultuous journey through fame as a means of escape from a troubled past. These revelations aim to expose the reality behind the glamour of 90s girl pop, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of these famous women.
“Girlbands Forever” is scheduled to air on BBC Two on Saturday, November 1 at 9.20 pm. The documentary promises a compelling exploration of the untold stories and challenges faced by the leading girl groups of the 90s and early 2000s.