Documentary-maker Stacey Dooley has recalled being a “bit of a nightmare” in The Arndale shopping centre as a youth in Luton as her new film investigating shoplifting is one of four big projects released on the same day.
The celebrated film-maker yesterday simultaneously released her heartfelt third book, Dear Minnie: Conversations with Remarkable Mothers, and three compelling documentaries now available on BBC iPlayer: Rape on Trial, Stacey Goes Shoplifting, and Growing Up Gypsy.
In a candid reflection on her teenage years, the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing champion reminisced about her rebellious days in Luton’s town centre.
On Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, the former Stopsley High School student, told presenter Scott Mills: “When I was a kid, your formative years, you’re sort of being daft, not behaving particularly brilliantly. When I was a teenager, 13 or 14, I was a bit of a nightmare. I was down Luton, down the Arndale with the flamingoes. There was that flamingo fountain that was a bit bizarre. I was a bit of terror down the Arndale but, of course, I’m a reformed character now.
“I just had no fear of authority, thought I knew it all, really contrary just awful, actually. For some teachers, I was a bit more of a delight if I liked them, but I was a bit of a pain for a while. And now I’m so boring, so un-rock n roll, so square and so strait-laced you couldn’t believe it.”
This personal anecdote sets the stage for one of her three new latest documentaries, Stacey Goes Shoplifting, where she delves into the world of retail theft, exploring its impact on businesses and communities.
In Rape on Trial, Dooley confronts the challenges victims face within the UK legal system. The the two-part documentary highlights prolonged trial delays and the emotional toll on survivors. Stacey’s empathetic approach brings attention to the urgent need for systemic change to support rape survivors and address entrenched biases.
Meanwhile, Growing Up Gypsy offers a window into the lives of three Romany women in the UK, challenging stereotypes and showcasing their resilience. The film provides an intimate portrayal of their experiences, aspirations, and the unique challenges they face within their communities.
But as well as her renowned documentaries, Dooley is also an author and yesterday also saw the release of her third, and possible final (which she posted on Instagram) book.
A frank, insightful and heartwarming exploration of the myriad issues surrounding contemporary motherhood, Dear Minnie… offers an intimate look into the diverse experiences of every kind of mother. Inspired by her journey with her two-year-old daughter, who the book is named after, Dooley collaborates with mothers worldwide, sharing letters they’ve penned to their children.
Speaking The One Show, the 38-year-old said: “I had a third book in me. I definitely did want to do another book and it was sort of a no-brainer. Motherhood was at the forefront of my mind. I’ve got a little girl, she’s two, and I just quite fancied doing something surrounding motherhood.
“It’s such an over-saturated market. There’s so many books telling you how to do it and I don’t know how to do it.
“So I thought I’ve got no authority to hand out any kind of words of advice. And then I had an idea. I thought was it worth speaking to different mums, in different circumstances, different situations.
“My pregnancy, my birth, my journey has been relatively straightforward and that’s not representative. I wanted it too feel quite universal, so the mums were just total sweethearts.
“The idea is that they write a letter to their kids and then there’s loads of different mums, loads of different kids. It’s lovely and I’m delighted with it, I’m pleased.”
From humble beginnings, working at Luton Airport, Dooley remains one of the UK’s most loved documentary presenters and last year she was awarded the prestigious Grierson Trustees’ Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art and craft of documentary, and her latest endeavours not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change.
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