Gritty new ITV documentary probes terrifying trend of women falling in love with criminals behind bars
A BIZARRE new documentary from ITV could soon see “prison groupies” taking centre stage.
Bosses are developing a show looking at the phenomenon of women who become pen pals with convicts.
Many end up starting romances and tying the knot with murderers, rapists or con artists.
A TV insider said: “This won’t be looking at historic examples, although there have been many bewildering cases over the years.
“The show, which could air next year, is likely to focus more on current examples of ladies who develop a strange fascination with criminals, with many of them being based in the US.
“The aim is to glean some kind of understanding of what the appeal is and how they nurture a relationship with somebody who’s committed such terrible acts.”
Being a “prison groupie” is an established practice and linked to hybristophilia, an attraction to people who commit crimes.
Notorious killers
It is often known as “the Bonnie and Clyde syndrome”, linked to the idea a surprising amount of women often end up in relationships with particularly bad men, just like the infamous couple who robbed their way around America in the 1930s.
That story was turned into a 1967 film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
ITV viewers seem to have a particular taste for shows focusing on crime on the other side of the Atlantic.
Some of the channel’s most popular documentaries put the spotlight on offending in the States.
They vary from lighthearted stories including this year’s Stiff Nights, which told the story of the bogus erectile dysfunction supplement scandal, to chats with some of its most notorious killers by interviewers such as Piers Morgan.
It is not clear yet where this show will be pitched.
But whether a serious analysis or tongue-in-cheek look, it is bound to be compelling.
LUCKILY for Mark Williams, he is yet to grow tired of playing BBC One crime-fighter Father Brown.
He will return to screens as the priest next month for the show’s 11th series.
Mark said: “I’ve never been bored on this job – which is an incredibly unusual thing for an actor to say.”
GREG HAS FEAR OF BAD TRIP
TASKMASTER host Greg Davies has revealed he is desperate to take a mind-altering trip.
The Inbetweeners star told how he has a lifelong curiosity with hallucinogenic drugs but that he is too afraid to try them after a friend had a bad experience at university.
He told Russell Howard’s Wonderbox podcast: “At university we decided we were going to.
“I left my friend Geoff to his trip, and I came back excited to find out about the wonderful journey he had been on.
“When I went upstairs he was in the fetal position. He just pointed at an A4 pad full of mad writing, but it started, ‘Dear Greg, as a friend, you must never take this poison’.
“If someone could say, ‘You will definitely be all right’ I’d be banging them every other day.”
JAMIE: BE STRICT ON ME CRAIG
EASTENDERS’ Jamie Borthwick may be the only competitor hoping to flop in the Strictly Christmas special – as he’s desperate for a tongue lashing from judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown and who will dance alongside pro Nancy Xu, said: “I am quite a quick learner.
“Remembering the steps I find relatively simple, but mastering them is a whole other level.
“Naturally as a dancer, I’m probably about a three, a two maybe, out of ten, and now I’m probably a high six or a middle seven.
“I’m a realist, I am trying, it’s a nine for effort.
“I hope the judges will be a bit easier on me, but I feel that if I don’t get something negative from Craig, then I haven’t had a Strictly experience.
“I want him to have a go at me. Give me some criticism.”
- Strictly’s Christmas special, Christmas Day, 4.40pm, BBC One.
REALITY REMAKE RETURNS
THE BBC took a leap of faith by relaunching island reality show Survivor – but the gamble might have paid off.
While ratings proved to be a little lacklustre, the Beeb appears to still back the format and I can reveal it has begun recruiting for another series of the challenge.
Putting out a casting call on its website, the Beeb says it is looking for people to be marooned in a tropical location for a “potential” second outing.
It reads: “We are looking for a new wave of fearless castaways and strategic masterminds who would be interested in being considered for the chance to play the ultimate physical and psychological game.”
Despite the format being a hit around the world, the original UK show from 2001 only lasted two series on ITV, before it was brought back by the BBC this year with Joel Dommett as host.
Hopefuls for 2024 have until February to respond.
I think I’ll pass on that one.
THE Bangers & Cash team are returning for another live event after the success of their 2023 tour.
Star Derek Mathewson and the auction gang will be out in North Yorkshire in August to put on a sale and display cars from the UKTV series.
Tickets available at bangersandcashlive.co.uk next month.
RICK AND RY ROCK INTO 2024
RYLAN Clark and Rick Astley will form an unlikely duo by taking to the stage to see in 2024 on BBC One.
Ahead of the London fireworks display, the Beeb has invited Rick to sing for its New Year’s Eve Rocks, which has previously featured stars including Sam Ryder and Alicia Keys.
The Never Gonna Give You Up singer will be joined by Rylan, as well as Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri.
House Gospel Choir will also make a guest appearance at the Roundhouse in North West London for the end-of-year celebrations.
New Year’s Eve Rocks begins at 11.30pm, then takes a break for the fireworks display before continuing the celebrations at 12.10am.