Paranormal BBC show that will never be aired again still making people ‘wet themselves’ 32 years later
The BBC mockumentary special aired on Halloween night in 1992
Nothing says ‘Happy Halloween’ like a banned TV show that’s still making people ‘wet themselves’ 32 years later.
A mockumentary special by the BBC aired on Halloween night in 1992 and was quickly cancelled because of how spooky it was.
After it aired, it attracted over 30,000 complaints as it was proving to be a little too realistic for some.
Titled Ghostwatch, the show was based on a set of TV presenters who were taking a look at the ‘most haunted house in the UK, located in Northolt, London.
An investigation was launched after ‘home footage’ showed mum, Pam Early, and her daughters being terrorised by a ghostly presence named ‘Pipes’.
While Michael Parkinson took to the studio, reporter Sarah Greene and a film crew did a ‘real’ investigation.
At the time, viewers were absolutely terrified because Ghostwatch managed to blur the line between fiction and reality.
Though horror writer Stephen Volk was planning to air six episodes, the series was cut down to a 90-minute programme and eventually banned.
Michael Parkinson hosted the still-banned 1992 mockumentary (BBC)
He told Examiner Live: “If you are going to tell this horror gag then don’t do it half-heartedly. If you say it’s not true then you pull the teeth out of unsettling drama.
“We were of the opinion that when it’s finished then we can have a discussion about it. The BBC didn’t do that. When it cut to black at the end the announcer said, ‘And now, Match of the Day‘.”
After a clip from the programme was shared on TikTok, many remembered the horror of watching it in the 90s – with some claiming they’re still ‘wetting the bed’ over 30 years later.
One commented: “It frightened so many people thinking it was real. It was shown on Halloween. It frightened me too. No wonder it was banned.”
Ghostwatch clips have been doing the rounds on TikTok (BBC)
Another said: “I remember watching this in the 90s. I was so scared. Sarah Greene was part presenting it. It was a hoax though. Still scary.”
A third wrote: “I remember watching this n didn’t sleep for days.”
And a fourth added: “This terrified me… and I was 21 when it first aired! Would love to watch it again.”
The show was also accused of giving viewers PTSD after parents of an 18-year-old claimed it caused his death.
Martin Denham committed suicide five days after it aired and his stepfather told BBC News in 2017: “He seemed a bit upset because things were happening at that time in the house that had been happening [on Ghostwatch]. The pipes were banging.”
Mother April Denham added: “He seemed entranced with the talk of ghosts.”
Featured Image Credit: BBC/TikTok/@richie…d
Anish Vij
Men are raving about ‘brilliant’ product that ‘slows down hair loss’ in ‘less than 30 days’
The serum has received hundreds of five-star reviews online
This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group might make a commission on anything purchased.
Hair loss is something that comes to us all, whether we like it or not.
And although we may not be able to fight nature’s calling, there are a few things we can do to slow down the rate at which our hairline is receding.
Hundreds of men are raving about a new hair product that promises to deliver stronger and thicker hair.
The serum has already garnered five-star reviews online with customers noting thicker hair and reduced hair loss.
“My hair is thicker and hair loss is at almost zero after using two bottles in less than a month,” one happy customer wrote. “I use the serum at least three times a day and I’m very pleased with the result.”
A second customer commented, “After just a few weeks of consistent use, I’m seeing real progress in hair growth.”
There are even a few ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs from proud owners of the product online.
Amazon/The Product King
Amazon/The Product King
One man says he gave the product to his adult son to try as he was suffering from hair loss: “He loves it. His head feels invigorated and his dandruff has gone as well. He has said that there is definitely less hair in his comb these days. So, it’s looking promising.”
Another agreed, adding: “While using this I feel like I’ve got lots of little baby hairs peeking through in the areas that were thinning out so I’m really pleased.”
The product in question is from Mancave, a brand renowned for its high-quality skin and haircare products and it’s safe to say people are pretty excited about the latest launch, which says results can be achieved in just ’30 days’.
Here’s everything we know about the cult product, from reviews to the price.
What are the ingredients?
According to the brand, its Caffeine+ Scalp Serum is an innovative formula designed to energise the scalp, promote hair growth, and strengthen roots.
The hero ingredient is one that helps us all to feel energised on a morning: caffeine. It seems to have the ability to wake up the scalp too, as it’s designed to stimulate and boost circulation – ensuring hair follicles have the nutrients they need to thrive.
ManCave
Other big ingredients worth a shout-out include niacinamide (known for hydrating the skin) and rosemary oil (renowned for promoting hair growth).
But it’s not just hair growth men are after. The product is also built to strengthen existing hair which is important to prevent breakage and further hair loss.
Proudly natural, the product is also free from sulphates and parabens, chemicals known to cause irritation.
How to use the Caffeine+ Scalp Serum
- You need to start with a clean scalp so we recommend shampooing and conditioning your hair before applying the serum.
- Apply between five to 10 drops of the Caffeine+ Scalp Serum directly to your scalp.
- Gently massage the serum into your scalp using circular motions.
- Leave the serum to do its thing.
- Use daily for best results.
Does it work?
In a recent customer trial involving 116 respondents over a 30-day period, the Caffeine+ Scalp Serum proved to be effective. Participants reported a ‘noticeable reduction in hair fall’, minimal dandruff, less scalp irritation, and more volume.
Where can I buy it?
The Caffeine+ Scalp Serum is available from the Mancave website for £15, or you can subscribe and get 30% off – T&C’s apply.
Featured Image Credit: Amazon/The Product King
Danielle Fowler
Shocking theories behind man who ‘never left bar on CCTV’ and is still missing 18 years later
Many people think there’s reason to believe Brian Shaffer is still alive
Over 18 years ago, a man ‘never left a bar’ according to CCTV footage, yet is still missing.
In a heartbreaking story ripe for a Netflix true crime series, Brian Shaffer hasn’t been seen since the early hours of 1 April 2006.
It’s a case that’s baffled detectives for years.
The night before, the second-year medical student headed out to a bar called the Ugly Tuna Saloona in Columbus’ University District with his mate William ‘Clint’ Florence.
The pair were out celebrating after completing their exams and bar hopped around when they met up with Clint’s friend, Meredith Reed.
She drove them back to the Ugly Tuna and CCTV footage showed them re-entering at 1.15am.
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Brian Shaffer. (Facebook)
Earlier in the night, at 10pm, Shaffer had called his girlfriend, Alexis Waggoner to confirm their upcoming Miami trip and told her he loved her as she was going away to visit her parents beforehand.
It was thought by both her and by the medical student’s parents that he was going to propose to her on the trip. But that holiday never happened.
At 2am, Shaffer could be seen chatting with two women outside the bar. CCTV footage seemed to show he walked back in and yet, he was never seen again.
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Florence and Reed tried to call him but had no answer and they went home when the bar closed, assuming their friend had left.
His dad also tried to call him over the weekend with no success and Shaffer was officially missing after he didn’t show for his flight to Miami.
CCTV wouldn’t have shown if he used another exit from the bar onto a construction site, and this led to many coming up with the theory he vanished on purpose.
It was believed he would be proposing to his girlfriend in the next few days. (Facebook)
There was a huge search for Shaffer and some believe he intended to disappear, with theories he even changed his clothes before exiting the bar.
However, his family insist there was no motive for the young man to do so.
New theories and rumours seem to regularly pop up and five years ago, a bloke was photographed in Tijuana, Mexico. People believed he shared some resemblance to Shaffer.
But the FBI concluded this wasn’t the missing American.
To this day, the case is still ‘periodically’ reviewed by Columbus police.
Featured Image Credit: Facebook / NBC
Topics: True Crime, US News
Jess Battison
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Dark BBC cocaine smuggling comedy branded ‘best thing it has done in years’
BBC viewers are calling for the new series to win ‘every BAFTA going’.
BBC viewers are raving about a new dark comedy which follows two strangers, one boat and a s**t tonne of cocaine.
Take a look at the trailer below:
Boat Story follows two strangers – Janet (Daisy Haggard) and Samuel (Paterson Joseph) – who are struggling to make ends meet.
This is until they accidentally stumble across a huge amount of cocaine from a shipwrecked boat.
After the pair agree to sell it and split the cash, they quickly find themselves entangled with police, masked hitmen, and a sharp-suited gangster known only as ‘The Tailor’ (Tchéky Karyo).
BBC
“Off-beat humour contrasts with high-octane action sequences against the spectacular backdrop of the beautiful, windswept Yorkshire coastline,” the BBC said of the six-part series.
Writers Harry and Jack Williams explained: “We loved making The Tourist and Boat Story picks up where that left off – tonally at least.
“It’s full of vulnerable, messed up and eccentric characters and we’ve cast some of our favourite actors to play them.”
Taking to social media, viewers are already predicting Boat Story to win ‘every BAFTA going’.
BBC
“Kinda loving #BoatStory: it’s like Tarantino has visited Grimsby…,” one wrote.
“Binge-watched Boat Story on BBC iPlayer. If it doesn’t win every BAFTA going, something’s wrong. 10/10. Casting, dialogue, humour, story, visuals, score are all epic. Best thing I’ve seen on BBC in years. #BoatStory,” a second added.
“Binge-watching #BoatStory today. It’s fantastic, the best drama of the year. A BAFTA cert. Beware, it’s not always an easy watch, but it is funny as hell, and far better than that tired old jungle thing,” someone else said.
BBC
Christopher Aird, Two Brothers Pictures Head of Drama, said: “Boat Story will surprise the audience from the first minute.
“Harry & Jack are challenging conventions we’ve come to second guess in screen drama. I think this is their boldest show yet and very exciting.”
Tommy Bulfin, BBC Commissioning Editor, added: “Even by Jack and Harry’s remarkable standards, Boat Story is a hugely entertaining and fiendishly clever thriller that I know will have the nation desperate to know what’s coming next.
“And I cannot think of a more perfect cast to bring these fantastic characters to life – you’ll just have to wait and see which ones you can trust!”
Boat Story is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: BBC, TV and Film
Anish Vij
BBC remove controversial moment in scene that would never air today from old Tracy Beaker episode
It’s an episode that unlocked the memory of many older fans
There are some childhood TV shows that stick with you forever, or even maybe a scene that was innocent enough when you’re a kid but inappropriate when you re-watch as an adult.
And that could definitely be said for a scene that was cut from the British kids television show, Tracy Beaker.
The show, which depicts the Dumping Ground – aka a home for children who are in the care system – showcases Tracy as the main character.
This lovable brat – who originated in Jacqueline Wilson’s iconic book of the same title – is known for her many catch phrases, such as ‘bog off’ and pretty much being a menace to everyone in the home.
Her hatred for Justine and Elaine (the pain) made for the best bits – but in a scene that has since been totally removed from the show, she was absent.
Instead of focusing on the antics of Tracy, it was instead all about a shopkeeper and four boys from the children’s home.
The episode – titled Frankelainestein/Tracy’s Fantasy in season 5 – depicts Mother’s Day at the home.
During episode 4, it follows Marco around who finds out that a local shop was giving out a free potted plant to every mother that came in and also a free inflatable alien to their child.
The scene in question involved a shopkeeper who mistakes a teenage boy for a woman. (BBC)
Remember those aliens? No wonder he was obsessed with getting it.
At that moment, another kid named Bouncer offered to pretend to be his Mum due to his large frame, and so he donned a dress, makeup and bonnet to look the part.
However, when he was introduced to the shopkeeper as his mum, the shopkeeper removed his glasses to show Bouncer as a blurry figure, which he then fell in love with.
The shopkeeper then goes on to pester Bouncer, following him around the shop while he asked for his number, suggested the go out to eat and all sorts while the boy narrowly dodges being cornered by him.
However, it takes a turn when Bouncer is about to leave with the kids, completely forgetting about the plant or alien and turns his back to the keeper.
That’s when the man pinches his bottom, causing Bouncer to lose his feminine voice and revert back to that of a boy, shouting at him for touching his bum.
Bouncer’s get up was pretty convincing, apparently. (BBC)
The scene may have gone over the heads of children at the time in 2005, but after it circulated online, people have some strong opinions.
Apparently, the clip also caught the attention of the BBC, who swiftly deleted the bum-pinching moment from the episode on BBC iPlayer, leaving the shopkeeper only to find out Bouncer is a boy almost as soon as he thought he was a woman.
People online were quick to talk about it, taking to Instagram to hash out their thoughts.
One person wrote: “Yeah I think the BBC having a grown man grope a teenage boy in drag for a children’s show was maybe didn’t sit well.”
And someone else wrote: “I remember this!! You’ve just unlocked a memory I did not need.”
Well, now you’ll never be able to see it on telly again.
LADbible has contacted the BBC for comment.
