BBC True North - Tanorama (2021)

What fuels our fixation with being bronzed? And is it worth putting our health at risk? This intimate film takes us into a world where tanning addicts turn to anything to achieve that perfect 'glow'.

For sun bed lovers Patrick and Lauren, adapting to their first baby's needs isn't their only challenge. For this couple have set themselves the target of getting toned and tanned for a professional photo shoot in just six weeks. 'I couldn't live without some sort of skin tan enhancement,' admits Lauren, as she begins another sun bed session.

Mother-of-six Tracey uses sun beds to escape from her chaotic life 'I finish work and, first thing, I'll bounce on a wee sun bed and chill out for ten minutes or so.' But after 20 years' worth of hours spent on a sun bed, has she put her health at risk? And would she ever be willing to change her tanning habit?

Is it simply the lack of sunshine and endless rain that makes Northern Ireland one of the UK's most artificially tanned places? Or is there a deeper psychological issue at play?

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