A captivating two-part documentary on BBC Two is set to air, delving into the remarkable successes and challenges faced by prominent girlbands of the 90s. The documentary, titled “Girlbands Forever,” uncovers startling revelations ranging from body shaming to difficult decisions like abortion.
The show not only highlights the glamorous aspects of girl groups such as adoring fans, lavish accommodations, and sold-out arenas but also sheds light on a time when the music industry had little regard for artists’ well-being. It exposes the lack of a ‘duty of care’ concept among record companies, especially concerning mental health.
Featuring candid accounts from members of popular girlbands like Sugababes, Atomic Kitten, Eternal, Mis-teeq, and Little Mix, the documentary provides an in-depth look into the reality of being part of a successful girlband during the 90s and early 2000s.
Created by seasoned broadcaster Louis Theroux and following a previous documentary on boybands, the program includes a particularly poignant testimony from All Saints’ singer, Melanie Blatt. Melanie revealed that she was pressured to undergo an abortion during the peak of the band’s fame, along with her bandmate Nicole, citing concerns that having a baby would negatively impact the group.
Melanie shared her experience of being coerced into the decision, recounting the mixed emotions and pressures she faced. Despite the influence to terminate her pregnancy, she chose to keep her daughter, Lilyella, who was born amidst the band’s success.
The documentary also touches on the experiences of other girlband members during the iconic era of the Spice Girls and beyond. Kéllé Bryan from Eternal recalls being pushed to lose weight behind the scenes, reflecting on the controlled lifestyle imposed on the group.
Natasha Hamilton of Atomic Kitten reveals the harsh realities of the industry, including extreme measures taken to maintain physical appearance and the struggles she faced balancing motherhood with her career at a young age.
Additionally, Kerry Katona, a former Atomic Kitten member, shares her personal struggles and traumatic experiences within the girlband scene, highlighting the pressures and challenges she encountered during that period.
“Girlbands Forever” offers a raw and revealing look into the untold stories of girl group members from the past, shedding light on the dark side of fame and the sacrifices made in pursuit of success.
Catch “Girlbands Forever” on BBC Two on Saturday, November 1st at 9:20 pm.