DOCUMENTARY

DOC TACTICS Suranne as Gemma BBC1, 9pm

SMIRKING villain Simon was finally served up a glorious comeuppance last week in spectacular style.

C4, 9.15pm Believe it or not, Barbie is nearly 60 years old – and she certainly looks good for her age. The legendary piece of pink plastic has achieved iconic status since her creation in 1959, but she has also caused controversy.

In this engrossing documentary, retail expert Mary Portas heads to America to investigate the doll that has so much influence, and to find out if Barbie (with her unachievable body) can stay relevant?

“This is a doll that’s been written about by academics, feminists and angry mothers thinking that she affects the way young women see themselves. It’s astounding,” says Mary. But makers Mattel say three Barbie dolls are sold worldwide every second.

In California, Mattel gives Mary behind the scenes access to find out what makes Barbie tick. And in Houston, Texas, at the National Barbie Collectors’ Convention, Mary meets grown-ups who still play with dolls. But watch out for human Ken doll Justin Jedlica. He has had nearly 500 different procedures to look like his idol, with results that are a just a little bit creepy. DOLLED UP Mary looks at the cult of Barbie LET’S WHISK AGAIN Yan gets to work TENSE Simon