Timothea Huff

Written by Timothea Huff

Published: 25 Dec 2024

35-facts-about-stacey-dooley
Source: Independent.co.uk

Who is Stacey Dooley? Stacey Jaclyn Dooley MBE, born on March 9, 1987, in Luton, England, is a renowned English television presenter, journalist, and media personality. Her career took off in 2008 with her appearance on Blood, Sweat and T-shirts, a BBC Three documentary series. This pivotal moment led to her own series, Stacey Dooley Investigates, where she delved into pressing social issues like child labor and women's rights. Over the years, Dooley has expanded her repertoire, winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and publishing a bestselling book. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including an MBE for her contributions to broadcasting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stacey Dooley's journey from a small-town girl to a renowned journalist and TV presenter is inspiring. Her work focuses on social issues, and she has won awards for her impactful documentaries.
  • Stacey Dooley's versatility shines through her diverse roles in TV, from investigative journalism to hosting and presenting. Her engaging personality and impactful work have earned her recognition and accolades.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Stacey Dooley's journey from a small-town girl to a renowned journalist and TV presenter is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into her early life and the start of her career.

  1. Stacey Jaclyn Dooley was born on 9 March 1987 in Luton, England. Her upbringing in this modest town played a significant role in shaping her perspectives.

  2. Interest in Social Issues: From a young age, Stacey showed a keen interest in social issues, which later became the cornerstone of her career.

  3. First TV Appearance: In April 2008, Stacey made her television debut on the documentary series Blood, Sweat and T-shirts. This show highlighted the harsh realities of the fashion industry by following participants through the production process of clothing in various countries.

Stacey Dooley Investigates

Stacey's breakthrough came with her own documentary series, Stacey Dooley Investigates. This series allowed her to explore various pressing social issues.

  1. Series Launch: Stacey Dooley Investigates premiered in August 2009, focusing on topics like child labour and women's rights in developing countries.

  2. My Hometown Fanatics: In 2012, Stacey explored extremism in her documentary My Hometown Fanatics, interviewing Islamists and members of the English Defence League.

  3. Coming Here Soon: Another 2012 series, Coming Here Soon, saw Stacey examining the lives of young people in Greece, Ireland, and Japan affected by the global financial crisis.

Expanding Horizons: Documentaries in the USA

Stacey's investigative work took her across the Atlantic, where she delved into issues affecting American teens.

  1. Stacey Dooley in the USA: In 2012, she created two series focusing on girls behind bars, border wars, homelessness, and kids caught in crossfire.

  2. Beaten By My Boyfriend: In 2015, Stacey tackled domestic abuse within the UK in her documentary series Beaten By My Boyfriend, shedding light on the prevalence and impact of domestic violence.

Literary Success and Book Tour

Stacey's influence extended beyond television with the publication of her debut book.

  1. Book Publication: In February 2018, Stacey released Stacey Dooley: On the Front Line with the Women Who Fight Back, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller.

  2. Book Tour: Following her book's success, Stacey embarked on a UK book tour, engaging with readers and discussing the themes of her work.

Television Appearances and Achievements

Stacey's versatility as a presenter saw her take on various roles across different TV shows.

  1. The One Show: From 2018 to 2020, Stacey was a guest presenter on The One Show.

  2. Panorama: In 2019, she presented two episodes of the investigative program Panorama.

  3. Strictly Come Dancing: Stacey won the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, paired with professional dancer Kevin Clifton, who later became her partner.

Hosting and Presenting

Stacey's charm and expertise made her a sought-after host for various shows.

  1. Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star: From 2019 to 2020, Stacey hosted this reality show on BBC Three, focusing on makeup artists.

  2. The Last Leg: She appeared as a panellist on The Last Leg, a comedy panel show, from 2019 to 2021.

  3. Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over: Stacey produced and presented this series, staying with families to explore different social issues.

Game Shows and Special Appearances

Stacey's engaging personality also made her a popular contestant on game shows.

  1. The Wall: In 2020, she appeared on The Wall, a game show where contestants can win large cash prizes.

  2. EastEnders: Secrets from the Square: Stacey presented this documentary series, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the popular soap opera EastEnders.

  3. On the Psych Ward: She explored mental health issues within psychiatric wards in Stacey Dooley: On the Psych Ward.

Recent Ventures and Recognition

Stacey continues to evolve in her career, taking on new challenges and receiving accolades for her work.

  1. This Is MY House: In 2021, Stacey hosted this series where contestants compete to win a house by showcasing their unique living spaces.

  2. DNA Family Secrets: She appeared in this documentary series, using DNA testing to uncover family secrets.

  3. The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2C: Stacey participated in this charity baking competition to raise money for cancer research.

  4. Awards and Recognition: Stacey has won several awards, including a One World Media Award in 2018 for her documentary series Stacey Dooley Investigates.

  5. MBE Appointment: In 2018, Stacey was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to broadcasting.

Stage Debut and Other Contributions

Stacey's career continues to expand, including a recent foray into theater.

  1. West End Debut: In 2024, Stacey made her stage debut in the West End play 2:22 A Ghost Story.

  2. Celebrities on the NHS Front-line: In 2018, she celebrated the 70th birthday of the NHS by highlighting celebrity contributions.

  3. Most-Watched Documentaries: Episodes of Stacey Dooley Investigates in 2018 were the most-watched documentaries on BBC iPlayer.

Global Investigations and Fashion Industry Critique

Stacey's work often takes her to different parts of the world, tackling various issues.

  1. Investigations in Russia, Florida, Iraq, and Hungary: In 2018, she explored war, domestic violence, pollution in the fashion industry, and even faced an ISIS soldier.

  2. Fashion's Dirty Secrets: Stacey exposed the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion in this documentary series.

  3. Young and Homeless: She highlighted the issue of homelessness among young people in this series.

Diverse Roles and Appearances

Stacey's versatility is evident in the wide range of shows she has been part of.

  1. The Pets Factor: From 2017 to 2018, Stacey presented this series focusing on pets and their owners.

  2. Face To Face With Armageddon: In 2019, she explored the threat of nuclear war in this documentary.

  3. Brainwashing Stacey: In 2016, Stacey delved into the world of cults and brainwashing.

  4. The Natives: This is Our America: In 2017, she narrated this series about the lives of indigenous people in the United States.

  5. RuPaul's Drag Race UK: Stacey made a guest appearance on this popular show in 2019, adding to her diverse television experiences.

Stacey Dooley: A Remarkable Journey

Stacey Dooley has carved out an impressive career in television and journalism. From her early days on Blood, Sweat and T-shirts to winning Strictly Come Dancing, she’s shown versatility and dedication. Her documentaries, like Stacey Dooley Investigates and Beaten By My Boyfriend, tackle tough social issues, making her a voice for the voiceless. Winning awards and being appointed an MBE highlight her impact. She’s not just a presenter but a storyteller who brings important topics to light. Her transition to the West End with 2:22 A Ghost Story shows her ever-evolving talent. Stacey’s work continues to inspire and educate, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in media and beyond. Her journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and a commitment to making a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Stacey Dooley?
Stacey Dooley, a renowned British television presenter and journalist, gained fame for her hard-hitting documentaries on social issues around the globe. Known for her unique approach to storytelling, she's become a household name in the UK and beyond.
What kind of documentaries does Stacey Dooley make?
She dives into a variety of topics, from environmental issues and global crises to social injustices and cultural practices. Her documentaries often shine a light on underreported stories, aiming to inform and provoke thought among viewers.
Has Stacey Dooley won any awards for her work?
Absolutely! Her impactful storytelling and dedication to uncovering the truth have earned her numerous accolades, including a prestigious BAFTA award. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to journalism and documentary filmmaking.
Did Stacey Dooley participate in any reality TV shows?
Yes, she swapped documentary filmmaking for the dance floor when she competed in "Strictly Come Dancing," a popular UK dance competition show. Not only did she participate, but she also danced her way to victory, winning the 2018 series.
How can I watch Stacey Dooley's documentaries?
Her documentaries are primarily broadcast on the BBC, with many available on the BBC iPlayer. Additionally, some of her work can be found on various streaming platforms, making it accessible to a global audience.
What motivates Stacey Dooley to make documentaries?
Driven by a passion for social justice and a desire to shed light on hidden truths, Stacey seeks to make a difference through her work. She's motivated by the stories of people she meets and the potential to bring about change by sharing their experiences with the world.
Can I follow Stacey Dooley on social media?
Sure thing! Stacey is active on social media, where she shares insights into her projects, behind-the-scenes looks, and personal reflections. Following her can provide a glimpse into her work and the issues she's passionate about.

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