Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain

"I Just Quietly Live My Life, Identifying as Barbie” | Rachel Evans with Victoria Derbyshire

Human Barbie, Rachel Evans has spent two decades transforming herself through fitness, fashion and cosmetic procedures.   But behind the hyper-feminine image is a story shaped by grief, bullying, loneliness, survival and extraordinary reinvention.  She opens up about the roots of her love of Barbie and what it feels like to become known around the world for your appearance. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode, you can contact Samaritans free at any time on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org. #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #barbiedoll #humanbarbie #bodytransformation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Whatever Happened to Big Brother's Pete Bennett? | Victoria Derbyshire

Pete Bennett became one of the most unforgettable winners in Big Brother history. He stormed to victory in 2006 after his humour, honesty and openness about living with Tourette’s charmed the nation. Whilst his sweet on air love story with Nikki Graham became of reality TVs iconic relationships.  But behind the fame was a far more complicated story. From bullying to grief, the traumatic loss of a close friend and later the devastating loss of Nikki to anorexia, mental health struggles and the darker side of sudden celebrity. In this episode of Unbelievable Britain, Pete opens up about the chaos of overnight fame, losing himself after the show, and finding purpose through music, creativity and performance. Plus, one of Pete's joyful creations makes a surprise appearance.  Raw, funny and deeply honest, this is the untold story behind one of Britain’s most iconic reality stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

My Life Was Wasted Before I Lost My Limbs | Alex Lewis with Victoria Derbyshire

Alex Lewis was a pub landlord and father living an ordinary life when he caught a "cold." That cold was actually Strep A, that left him on the point of death, with a 1% chance of survival. To save his life surgeons amputated all four limbs and part of his face. But instead of giving up, he rebuilt himself in extraordinary fashion. In this powerful episode of Unbelievable Britain, Alex opens up about the terrifying moment everything changed, the trauma his family endured, and the mindset that carried him through over 130 hours of surgery and years of rehabilitation. Now an adventurer, campaigner and disability advocate, Alex has gone on to kayak Greenland, climb mountains, row across Britain and help transform the lives of amputees through the Alex Lewis Trust and FLOAT Foundation. This is a story about survival, identity, resilience and what the human spirit is truly capable of. For more information about the work Alex and The FLOAT Foundation carries out and how to support please visit www.the-alff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Reality Star. Real Survivor. Malin Andersson Beyond Love Island | Victoria Derbyshire

Malin Andersson shot to fame on Love Island, but away from the spotlight she was facing a far more difficult reality, including abusive relationships and sexual assault. In this powerful episode of Unbelievable Britain, she opens up to Victoria Derbyshire about overcoming abuse, addiction, grief and the devastating loss of her daughter, and how she has rebuilt her life with purpose. From navigating intense public scrutiny to becoming a mother and finding strength in vulnerability, Malin speaks with honesty about resilience, healing and reclaiming control of her story. If you or someone you know needs support: 📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247 🌐 https://refuge.org.uk/ 🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can use the Silent Solution if you can’t speak. 🔔 Follow & Subscribe to Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain for more extraordinary stories told by the people who lived them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

I lost my sight, but I wouldn't want it back | Lucy Edwards with Victoria Derbyshire

From Losing Her Sight to Inspiring Millions Lucy Edwards, who went blind at 17 due to a rare genetic condition. "In that moment everything I knew had gone." Lucy opens up about the moment everything changed, from trying to hold onto memories of her mum’s face to navigating a world that suddenly treated her differently. She speaks candidly about discrimination, her IVF journey, independence, and how she rebuilt her confidence to become one of the most influential disability advocates online. After losing her sight, Lucy began sharing TikTok videos, building a following of 1.1 million, and growing her YouTube channel, ⁠@lucyedwards⁠, to over 800K subscribers, where she shares her lived experience and advocates for the blind and visually impaired community. This is a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and redefining what your future can look like when everything is taken away. 🔔 Subscribe to Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain for more extraordinary stories told by the people who lived them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]