Press Releases

The One Show's presenter Anita Rani goes on a journey around the country to discover what it is that makes some people want to have lighter skin in a new documentary for BBC One to be shown later this summer.

She will look at the products and the companies behind what's reported to be a multimillion pound market, as well as meeting women – and men – who have embarked on a quest for lighter skin.

Starting with her own mother's preference for lighter skin, she looks at the pressures within her own Asian community to explore the reasons that drive a growing number of people to lighten their skin.

Anita will also find out why some risk damage to their skin with illegal products that can contain harmful chemicals.

Illegal cosmetics are available under the counter in Asian and Afro-Caribbean shops up and down the country. Many contain banned chemicals which pose health risks and can cause irreversible damage.

As part of her investigation, Anita will go undercover to investigate what is on the market and she will also speak with both the cream distributors and the magazines that promote and advertise skin lightening products.

Anita says: "I have never understood why fair equals beautiful because I love being brown. Through this film, I will find out where this pressure to change your skin colour is coming from."

The 1 x 40-minute programme will be produced by BBC Birmingham. Originally commissioned by Nick Shearman and now being overseen by Jo Ball, Commissioning Editor for Factual Features, Make Me White is Executive Produced by Bill Lyons.

DB