David Farnor | On 19, Jun 2021

Tan France, star of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, is heading to BBC Two for new documentary Beauty and the Bleach.

Taking on a subject close to his heart, which over the past year has been brought into sharp focus across the world, Tan will explore the issues around skin tone and colourism in society, as well as in the fashion, entertainment and beauty industries.

Tan has experienced this phenomenon first-hand. When he was only nine years old he did something he has regretted ever since: he attempted to lighten his own skin with bleaching cream he found in his relative’s cupboard. In this one-hour film, Tan will face up to his own experiences in an attempt to seek answers to questions around the public perception of beauty – meeting celebrities, experts, and people affected by the issue.

Tan France says: “I know that sadly my story isn’t unique, and so many people around the world have felt a burning desire to lighten their skin. But now is the time to question that. I want to find out why colourism is still so prevalent, and why people feel the need to change their skin colour when it’s already beautiful. This film has the chance to show people they’re not alone, and that they can – and should – love the skin they’re in”.

Nasfim Haque, Commissioning Editor, BBC, says: “We are thrilled to bring Tan’s UK TV debut to the BBC, where he will be exploring a timely issue close to his heart and one in an industry he knows so well.”

The documentary is made by Cardiff Productions and was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Director, Factual, Arts and Classical Music Television, and Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment, and is Executive Produced by Narinder Minhas. The Director is Ashok Prasad and the Producer is Sian Guerra. The Commissioning Editor at the BBC is Nasfim Haque.

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