GK Barry to front new BBC documentary 'Toxic Gossip'

She'll explore the controversial online forum Tattle Life.

The BBC have announced a new documentary from presenter and podcast host Grace Keeling, better known as GK Barry, exploring the controversial online forum Tattle Life.

GK Barry: Toxic Gossip will be available on BBC iPlayer as well as the BBC's YouTube channel on Wednesday 1st July, as she goes inside one of the UK’s most notorious gossip sites to ask where online chatter ends and real-world harm begins.

Grace Keeling brings her own perspective to a world she knows all too well. With millions of social media followers, she understands what it means to have every aspect of her life scrutinised online, including on Tattle itself.

In the documentary, she explores whether it’s a space for anonymous users to target influencers with relentless criticism and attack people in the public eye, or, in some circumstances, holds online personalities to account.

She meets individuals who say their lives have been deeply affected by online gossip, including the wife of a man accused of faking a cancer diagnosis, allegations that continued even after his death.

In a conversation with Sophie Dickson, the mother of Princess Dickson, who took her own life earlier this year, Grace hears first-hand about the devastating impact of the commentary shared on the site. She also sits down with a Tattle Life user to unpack what really drives people to post.

As GK digs deeper, she examines claims that a culture of rumour, speculation and cruelty can thrive behind anonymity, raising wider questions about accountability and moderation in online spaces. Determined to understand where responsibility lies, she investigates how the site operates and attempts to track down Tattle Life’s elusive owner, who rarely speaks publicly.

Speaking about her documentary, Grace Keeling said "Having read so much online and in the news about Tattle Life, and personally been spoken about on it, I wanted to speak to the people whose lives have been affected by the comments to understand the impact they have had."

To which the BBC's Commissioning Editor, Rachel Platt, added "GK Barry might not be your typical BBC investigative reporter but that’s exactly what makes her the perfect guide through this story. She brings candour, curiosity and a sense of humour to a subject that’s often anything but funny."

And Colette Foster, Executive Producer, Full Fat Television said "GK really gets to the heart of how our obsession with influencer culture can so easily turn from gossip and entertainment to heartbreak and tragedy. Part investigative sleuth, part accidental detective, she’s made every twist and turn of this film an unforgettable rollercoaster ride."

GK Barry: Toxic Gossip will air Wednesday 1st July on BBC iPlayer