A new documentary series, 'The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke', airing on BBC Two tonight, promises to expose the disturbing reality behind the facade of a once-popular family YouTube channel. The three-part series will explore the dramatic collapse of Ruby Franke's online empire, which at its height generated an estimated £100,000 per month, revealing the hidden abuse that lay beneath a meticulously crafted public image.
Franke's downfall reached its peak in 2023, when she was arrested on child abuse charges. This came after one of her emaciated children managed to escape and sought help, bringing the years of alleged abuse to light. The documentary is set to utilise the extensive video footage Franke herself recorded, offering viewers a chilling insight into the escalating issues within the family's home life.
The series aims to provide context to the horrific events, with insights from those close to the family. Franke's ex-husband is quoted in promotional material, stating: "The devil knocked and we opened the door," suggesting a deep dive into the psychological and relational factors that contributed to the tragic outcome. The extensive digital footprint left by Franke's channel is expected to be a key element in understanding the narrative.
For UK audiences, the documentary offers a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly idyllic online personas and the importance of child safeguarding. It also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the pressures and perceptions created by social media, particularly in the realm of parenting and family vlogging, where authenticity can often be manipulated for public consumption and financial gain.
Beyond this compelling new series, tonight's television schedule also includes other notable programmes. BBC One features actor Adeel Akhtar tracing his maternal roots in 'Who Do You Think You Are?', exploring his family's journey from India to Kenya and then to the UK. Meanwhile, BBC Three offers 'The Traitors Canada', bringing the popular psychological reality format to a new international setting, and ITV1 expands 'The Chase' franchise with 'The Chase Around the World', featuring teams navigating Barcelona while answering general knowledge questions.