Deborah James: Bowelbabe In Her Own Words

Dame Deborah James smiling looking to the right

From living with incurable bowel cancer, to Damehood, to her untimely death – Bowelbabe: In Her Own Words details the last extraordinary five years of cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James’s life on film.

Known by many as her online persona Bowelbabe, the former deputy head teacher amassed a huge social media following. Filmed with Deborah in the last months of her life, she talks frankly about her diagnosis, treatment and shares many personal moments whilst dancing and documenting what the reality of living with bowel cancer was really like for her and those closest to her.

This 1 x 80’ archive-based documentary features never seen before mobile phone footage, Deborah’s collection of Tik Tok videos, Instagram posts, You Me and the Big C podcasts, family videos and Deborah’s voice notes.

Deborah was made a Dame by Prince William in May 2022. Before her death in June 2022 she worked to establish The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK which raised more than £7million. The Fund will support causes and projects that Deborah was passionate about, including working with others such as the Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Bowel Cancer UK.

Publicity contact: MF2/CT2

Channel
DateMonday, 17 April, 2023
Time9:00 pm -
10:20 pm
UpdatesConfirmed for BBC Two on 17 April at 9pm to 10.20pm.
Week16