BBC Factual and BBC Scotland have commissioned a two-part series telling the story of The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone (working title).
Made by Rogan Scotland, it looks at how a girl born and raised in the East End of Glasgow became a famous, millionaire lingerie entrepreneur, and then how Baroness Mone of Mayfair got even more headlines for a PPE scandal in the aftermath of Covid.
“It’s still unclear where this story will end, but there’s no better time to go back to understand where it all began, revealing the foundations of one of the most astonishing stories in the recent history of British business,” said Simon Young, Head of Commissioning, History.
“We’re really excited to be working with Rogan Scotland, and our colleagues at BBC Scotland, to bring this series to the screen.”
After a career as a model, Mone created the Iingerie brand MJM and launched Ultimo, a new type of push-up bra. By the 2000s she was one of the most famous business women in Britain, having built a multi-million pound lingerie empire, and in 2015 she was appointed a Baroness.
During the Covid crisis, as a member of the House of Lords, Baroness Mone gained access to the so-called “VIP fast lane” where organisations could supply PPE to the government. She proposed a company called PPE Medpro.
For 3 years she and her husband Doug Barrowman publicly denied any involvement with the company, which was subsequently accused by the government of supplying faulty PPE. But, in a television interview, Mone later conceded that she had lied about their involvement – and that the couple stood to benefit from £60m of profit made on the deal.
Rogan Scotland have filmed with many of those who witnessed this rise-and-fall, including friends, former colleagues and advisors, journalists and lawyers involved in her story.
“Michelle’s story is a compelling and multi-faceted one to tell. I’m excited by the creative challenge of bringing it to life and exploring what her journey reveals about the societal shifts that have shaped contemporary Britain,” said Erica Jenkin, Director.
Mark Hedgecoe from Rogan Scotland, added:
“Michelle Mone’s journey is extraordinary. But it’s also a propulsive roller coaster ride through aspects of recent British history – whether the fate of post-industrial cities like Glasgow, the role of entrepreneurs in our country, or the honours system.”
The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone (w/t), a 2×60’ for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer, was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, Scotland. The BBC Commissioning Editors are Simon Young and David Harron. The Executive Producers are Mark Hedgecoe and James Rogan, the Producer is Lesley Shields.
It’s slated for transmission next year.
