Stacey Dooley lands major new BBC series investigating online health hacks

Stacey Dooley is to explore the rise of social media as a dubious go-to for health advice, in a major new series for BBC1.

Called The Clickbait Clinic, in the six-parter Stacey will attempt to uncover the truth behind some of the wildest health trends taking over the internet. Many of them shape the health choices made by Britons every day - regardless of whether they are the best course of action.

As she sorts the miracle cures from the snake oil, Stacey told the Mirror: "Social feeds are full of health and wellness tips, but it's impossible to know which ones to believe. I can't wait to find out what the experts think and to meet the people behind the biggest online health trends.”

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Research has shown that one in three Brits admit to relying on social media for health advice. Stacey will work with leading doctors and scientists to investigate some of the most hyped medical claims: from fitness boosters to pain beaters, youth elixirs to fat busters - and put the science to the test. She aims to sort the miracle cures from the snake oil.

Stacey, 38, believes that with NHS waiting lists growing, and with social media playing an increasing role in finding medical solutions, The Clickbait Clinic's verdict could be life changing - or even lifesaving - for some.

BBC specialist factual boss Jack Bootle said: “As social media force-feeds us an endless diet of health misinformation, there’s never been a greater need for a BBC series designed to sort the fact from the fiction – and tell us where some of the world’s weirdest health trends originated in the first place.

“Led by the amazing Stacey Dooley, this series will show us which health hack to believe and which to unfollow – and it could make a genuine difference to viewers.”

Executive producer Arif Nurmohamed added: “We are going to dive into the wild world of online health — sorting the hype from the hope. And with Stacey at the helm, we’ve got the perfect mix of heart and curiosity.”

Stacey, who has two-year-old daughter Minnie with former Strictlypro dancer Kevin Clifton, has fronted her Stacey Dooley Investigates series on BBCThree since 2009, looking into current affairs issues affecting young people. She also presents Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over on U, in which she spends a weekend with her interviewee in order to better understand them.

The TV star, from Luton, was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to broadcasting. Last year she made her stage debut as Jenny in the spooky play 2:22 A Ghost Story at London’s Gielgud Theatre.

The Clickbait Clinic will air on BBC1 and iPlayer in 2026.

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