Just when you thought that Dr Christian Jessen had educated us on everything there is to know about bodily issues and health matters, out he pops with a brand spanking new show, 'The Ugly Face of Beauty'. After his success with hit documentaries such as 'Embarrassing Illnesses', 'Supersize Vs Superskinny' and 'Embarrassing Bodies', I had high expectations for Channel 4's latest offering.
At this stage the whole concept of finding insecure and vulnerable people to tell their sob story, and then moan about their appearance on TV seems a bit old-school. Yet, 'The Ugly Face of Beauty' brought back the shock factor that probably hasn't been seen in the makeover world of TV since that disgusting programme 'The Swan' (hosted by Irish lass Amanda Byram). Fortunately, this documentary doesn't have women competing against each other through plastic surgery, but instead it shines a spotlight on the industry and comes to the aid of women who have fallen victim to botched operations.
In last night's episode (the first of two), Dr Jessen really hit home with his startling figures. On his visit to a secondary school in London it was horrifying to watch such innocent young girls focus on such trivial matters. We met Saira (17) who wanted liposuction on her legs and belly. Zaineb (17) wanted to enlarge her breasts. Leila (16) would love to have liposuction and "obviously bigger breasts" and Karla (15) wanted to have her ears pinned back. What ever happened to the good old days of worrying about how crimped you could get your hair?
The lovely Polly Hudson added an interesting angle to the documentary by following three women who decided to move abroad to get a bit of sun, sea and surgery. She genuinely looked like a lost puppy trying to explain to wannabe glamour model Natalie Rooney (cousin to Wayne, of course) that not only did she not need a breast enlargement, but that under no circumstances did she need liposuction with her tiny size eight frame. Despite being warned about the severe risks involved in the extreme surgery Natalie (19) was insistent and went ahead with the surgery - all in the name of having the biggest breasts in Britain (Jordan, watch out!).
The highlight of the show had to be when Andrea Thompson went undercover with a secret camera to witness the pushy procedures used by some clinics. It was flabbergasting to witness the psychological and almost emotional blackmail used to brainwash women into thinking that they needed surgery. One of the clinics claimed that they had a discount for May and June. However, six weeks later the deal was still on. (That has to break some sort of consumer act?).
For me, the final part of the show successfully tugged at the heart-strings, when Andrea showed her acting ability (again) and posed as an undercover plastic surgeon consultant with her sidekick Maria. It was fascinating to watch them seal the deal (in less than 5 minutes) with 38-year-old Debbie who only wanted to inquire about prices for a nose job and breast enlargement. Sign these girls up for the next series of 'The Apprentice' now!
As much as I was embarrassed and cringing for the women who were stung and tricked by the 'actors', I think that they all gained from the experience, which is all that matters. Hopefully the reactions of these vulnerable women will inspire more people out there not to go under the knife.
I look forward to next week's episode as we get to witness how high the price of beauty is, when the new appearances of the three women who jetted off abroad are revealed.
Laura Delaney
