What to watch
The Betrayed Girls BBC ONE, 8.30PM
You’d be forgiven for thinking that, news bulletins aside, Three Girls has provided the most upsetting TV of the year. Henry Singer’s documentary, which hears from many of the key players depicted in that superb drama about the Rochdale paedophile ring, is equally harrowing and important. Far more than a postscript, it adds essential context to the drama, especially in illustrating how the cases it addressed were far from isolated, with grooming of white girls by Pakistani men being carried out across the country.
Against a backdrop of BNP/EDL rabble-rousing and increasing racial tensions, rather than tread carefully, nervous, complacent or disinterested authorities instead chose to turn their backs. Maggie Oliver (Lesley Sharp in Three Girls) and Sara Rowbotham (Maxine Peake) are among those recalling how their warnings were ignored, while some of the victims also speak out. Progress is being made – proof of what can be achieved with determination – but it’s clear that this battle is a far from being won. The stories of abuse are undoubtedly horrific, but these women have been brave enough to tell them. The least we can do is listen. Gabriel Tate