Tales of life in the new millennium
BBC2, 9pm
FROM the moment they were born, these young people who are turning 20 have been followed by cameras as part of a groundbreaking series.
Producers wanted to explore what it would be like for children born at the turn of the century, growing up in the new millennium.
We’ve caught up with them at various points in their lives, and now they are grown up and can reflect on their childhood in their own words.
This programme hears from lots of the participants but mainly focuses on three – Eve, Jamie and Rihanna.
They share their feelings on starting school, finding friends and what they faced during their turbulent teenage years.
There has been plenty to deal with, from rebellion and family tension to bereavement and struggles with mental health.
Jamie talks about his diagnosis of diabetes as a young child and how his dad struggled to cope with it.
While Rihanna says: “Nothing crushed my love of learning more than education,” and recalls how she sobbed at school after one traumatic incident.
Eve shares memories of her mother who died from cancer in 2008.
And Charlie, who was put into care when she was five, talks about life being sent to 14 different foster or care homes. “I don’t remember anything from when I was little,” she says. “I’ve made myself forget because it’s so painful.”
But with all of it playing a part in making them the adults they are today, this is ultimately a hopeful, heartwarming and fascinating piece of television.