BBC 1 22.35pm Thursday 31st August

Be My Baby - The Girl group Story

It may be interesting, it may be predictable

I hope they interviewed the family of Florence Ballard for their views

This is copied from the BBC website:

Be My Baby: The Girl Group Story

Thu 31 Aug, 10:35 pm - 11:35 pm 60mins

From the Supremes to Destiny's Child, the Girl Group formula is one that's brought hit after hit. Moulded, choreographed and polished, is a classic pop template - but it's also one which has delivered high drama, backstage rows and, for some singers, has been the launchpad for solo stardom.

This BBC ONE special tells the dramatic stories of six celebrated Girl Groups - the Supremes, the Three Degrees, Sister Sledge, Bananarama, The Bangles and The Spice Girls.

"All our six acts starts out as a group of friends struggling for a break, " says producer Jeff Simpson. "Then, when fame hits, the backstage rows start, and one of the members leaves to go solo. It's a pattern which keeps repeating itself. Added to that, there's also constant pressure on these women to fit some kind of mould, usually from controlling managers or producers, which makes them all remarkable stories."

Members of all these bands are present to tell their own stories, including Mary Wilson of the Supremes; Sheila Ferguson and Valerie Holiday of the Three Degrees; Kim and Joni Sledge; Keren and Sara from Bananarama; Susanna Hoffs and Vicki and Debbie Peterson from The Bangles; and Sporty and Scary Spices, Mel C and Mel B. Plus there's comment from managers, producers and singers like Martha Reeves, Kim Wilde, Katrina from Katrina and the Waves, Jenny Frost from Atomic Kitten and Kimberley and Nichola from British pop's current favourite Girl Band, Girl's Aloud.

Spice Girls? AAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

It's bound to be cr*p but i still probably watch it just for curiosity sake.

Simon

I was chatting with the guy who made this . It's going to be very populist. Rare Soul fans (in fact, Soul fans) don't hold your breath.

It's bound to be cr*p but i still probably watch it just for curiosity sake.

Simon

cant see me propping the matchsticks in the eyes to stay up for this one

cant see me propping the matchsticks in the eyes to stay up for this one

it is a repeat as well! So some may already have seen it!

paddy

Is it a repeat? Must be a very recent one I think.

Is it a repeat? Must be a very recent one I think.

Hi Simon

According to our paper it has been updated with some newer stuff for this broadcast, but was first shown last year!

Cheers

Paddy