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Britain's Compulsive Shoppers

Duration: 1 hour

First broadcast: on BBC One HDLatest broadcast: on BBC One Wales

With a proven track record in exploring the psychological disorder of compulsive hoarding, Jasmine Harman now turns her attention to another destructive and often secretive condition that left unchecked can severely blight the lives of sufferers and their families - compulsive shopping. Through the eyes of three of Britain's most addicted shoppers, Jasmine explores the personal and emotional stories behind a condition thought to affect up to eight million British adults for whom shopping has become an out-of-control compulsive habit.

Ebony finds the call of a special offer irresistible. From multiple electric blankets to a collection of teddy bears, rolls of wallpaper to arrays of TVs and tablets, Ebony is unable to resist a bargain and has accumulated around a thousand pairs of shoes, even more clothes and a vast array of power tools. Now her house is full to the brim and it's time to make space for herself and her sons.

Former 80s pop star Dene is addicted to the thrill of online auctions, bidding for goods he barely remembers or looks at once acquired. In the excitement of winning an online bidding war he has amassed vast collections of cars, watches, guitars, caravans, clothes and sunglasses.

In West London Dipna's life centres around a passion for high-end fashion brands. At 31 she still lives with her parents and with no household bills to pay every penny she earns can be spent feeding her habit. Her parents don't see a problem but Dipna's compulsion to shop leaves little room in her life for much else - she longs for a family of her own but no suitor can compete with the acquisition of expensive shoes, bags, blazers and jewellery, which is where Dipna believes true happiness lies. Show less

Contributors

Presenter:
Jasmine Harman
Executive Producer:
Bridget Sneyd

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