Beginning a week-long series often films exploring the views of contemporary British people towards sex and sexuality.
See today's choices.
See Polly Toynbee: page 10

9.40 White Wedding
Mark and Michelle, who are in their late twenties, are both virgins and are getting married. Devout Christians, they see chastity as the cornerstone of their faith. This film charts the couple's preparations, the wedding and their honeymoon.
(Digital widescreen)

10.00-10.30 Mistress Maria
Jenny, a dominatrix, serves her clients with a mixture of correction and abuse in her rented flat. Abused as a child, Jenny has been a prostitute since she was 21. She forcefully defends the way she earns a living, saying she does it to provide for her children.
(Digital widescreen)
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Adult Lives From 9.40pm BBC2
Three very different narratives open a season of programmes, showing tonight until Thursday, that offer deeply personal, idiosyncratic, honest and often uncomfortable attitudes towards sex. They are bound to incite vigorous debate.
White Wedding is the story of two devout Christians who have refrained from sex until their wedding night. They are a charming, down-to-earth couple with a healthy sense of humour that complements their strong faith.

In marked contrast is Mistress Maria: dominatrix Jenny is a fiercely independent woman, devoted to her children, whose vulnerability, intelligence and passion only break through the facade when reluctantly talking about suffering sexual abuse as a child. It is heartbreaking. The last film, Did You Get His Number?, is given over to the varied experiences of some gay men - either the casual abundance of the scene or the more lasting relationships.

Those who are inclined to be judgemental or who are looking for titillation should watch Jerry Springer instead