Leigh-Anne Pinnock lands BBC documentary on racism after Jesy Nelson success

Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock is to follow in her bandmate’s footsteps and make a BBC3 documentary about a subject close to her heart.

While Jesy Nelson covered trolling and social media last year, Leigh-Anne will explore her personal experiences of racism as a black woman in the UK.

The film, to be directed by her childhood friend Tash Gaunt, will reveal that the pop star has come to believe that we live in a profoundly racist society.

As a member of one of the world’s biggest girl groups, the more Leigh-Anne learns about systemic racism in Britain, the more she wants to try and tackle it.

In the film the 28-year old singer, who is engaged to footballer Andre Gray, will acknowledge that having lighter skin and being a celebrity means she is often seen to be in a more privileged position than others.

Leigh-Anne said: “I want to make this film because I have always been passionate about rights for black people.

“Conversations surrounding racism and colourism are something I constantly have with my boyfriend and family, and as I have a platform, I want to bring this conversation to a wider audience and stand up for my black and brown community.

“Through making this documentary I want to learn how I can best lend my voice to the debate so that the young people who look up to me won’t have to face what me and my generation have had to.”

The film will follow her as she seeks advice from family, friends and role models with the cameras also following her behind the scenes with Little Mix and at home as she decides what to do.

BBC3 boss Fiona Campbell said she hoped the film would “have the power to change attitudes, offer insight and help prevent racism in our society”.

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