Channel 4 and Davina McCall to break the menopause taboo

8 March 2021

Monday 8th March 2021: Channel 4 is to challenge our reluctance to talk about the menopause in Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and The Menopause. With startling honesty, Davina McCall will describe her own menopause journey, busting the myths surrounding the transition, and dispelling the shame and fear around hormone replacement therapy.

A 1x60 commission from Finestripe Productions, the film will investigate the science that adds to our understanding of the menopause and its impact on women’s health.  In the film Davina will fearlessly tackle the midlife taboo that can destroy women’s jobs and relationships, and will look at the lack of understanding and misinformation that still exists around the menopause.

Underpinned with the personal stories of women from a variety of backgrounds who have lived through everything the menopause has thrown at them, the film will spark a candid conversation about a subject that has for too long been a taboo.  

Davina McCall, presenter said: “I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a project that has affected me so deeply. I get home after filming and sometimes I just sit down and cry ... from deep frustration and anger at how we are failing women. This film isn’t just for menopausal women, it’s for their partners, their fathers, their brothers, and their sons. We’re all in this together. I used to think that menopause was an age thing and now I realise it’s a woman thing. For far too long, there’s been a shroud of embarrassment, shame and fear around this topic, and this is where it stops!”

Kate Muir, producer said: “We’ve discovered making this film how much better-informed women - and their doctors - could be about hormones and the menopause. Women’s silence around the menopause needs to become a cacophony, and one day a symphony.”

Katie Lander, Executive Producer at Finestripe Productions said:  “The menopause can be so much more than the occasional hot flush and it can last for years. Unless women can access help and support, so many will be suffering through no fault of their own. Davina and our contributors reveal the truth about their symptoms and their strategies.”

Sarah Hey, commissioning executive said: “The menopause affects so many but remarkably is rarely discussed openly – I speak from experience! Through Davina’s blend of warmth and honesty about her own symptoms, the film sees women open up with such candidness about the impact the menopause has on their health, lifestyle and livelihood. Hopefully in turn it will encourage more women to do the same.”

Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause will be produced and directed by Linda Sands.

ENDS

 

Press Enquiries to:

Samantha Fraser