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Date Published: 18/04/2024

BBC announces new no-holds-barred Ibiza documentary

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The gritty miniseries promises to uncover the more unsavoury underbelly of the Spanish party island

BBC announces new no-holds-barred Ibiza documentary

Ibiza, one of the top tourist destinations in the world, attracts millions of visitors each summer seeking sunshine, music and, of course, an unrivalled nightlife.

Yet beneath the glamorous façade lies a darker reality – one entwined with criminality and illicit drugs. To shed light on this dichotomy, the BBC will broadcast a hard-hitting docuseries titled ‘Ibiza: Secrets of the Party Island’.

Premiering on Sunday April 21, the four-part series aims to expose the lengths some individuals go to maintain their foothold amidst the rich and famous and fierce competition.

Former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott hosts the provocative exploration, venturing into Ibiza’s most luxurious venues and clandestine corners alike. A lifelong fan of and visitor to the Balearic Islands, this time round the influencer is keen to reveal the complex issues faced by both residents and transient populations.

“Unless you’re doing something illegal, you can’t keep up with the cost of the lifestyle,” one expat tells her during an emotional interview.

“I was making thousands; it funded my whole season here.”

Soaring rental costs have forced countless locals out of their homes, making room for holiday rentals catering to the influx of more than half-a-million tourists per day during peak season. Consequently, young adults resort to inventive means of survival in order to navigate the lavish landscape.

In this kind of climate, crime is naturally on the rise, and Zara took the opportunity to spend an evening patrolling the streets with the organised crime unit of the Ibiza National Police.

According to one officer, drug trafficking is a huge problem on the island because “there are parties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“When 35% of the island’s GDP comes from clubs, it is difficult to see this hedonistic culture ending soon,” he added.

Tune in to BBC Three on Sunday night to catch the first episode.

In other news: Italian man arrested for raping British tourist in Mallorca

Image: BBC Three

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