It has been announced today that award-winning presenter Stacey Dooley will go behind the doors of a Convent to explore what it means to be a nun in a new, one hour immersive film for BBC One and iPlayer, Stacey Dooley - Inside the Convent
This film offers Stacey, who lives in a constant state of 21st-century busyness, the opportunity to take a break, and to connect to the rhythms of a deeper, slower, quieter and more meaningful way of being.
She will stay with the Sisters at The Order of the Holy Paraclete Anglican Religious Community, who reside at St Hilda’s Priory in Whitby. Stacey, who isn't religious, will live alongside the sisters, joining their strict timetable of work and contemplation, in a bid to understand the way they live and to find out if there are aspects of this lifestyle she could bring into her own. From sleeping at the property to sharing meals, from singing with the sisters to joining them on their outreach work – Stacey will truly find out what life is like for a nun in the 21st Century and whether these devout women can offer insights into some of the big questions Stacey's been reflecting on.
Stacey Dooley said: "I had wanted to film in a Convent for a while, so was delighted when the Sisters at St Hilda’s invited us into their home, allowing us to truly witness and experience, first hand, their way of life. I really do believe it can be hugely beneficial, spending time with those you wouldn’t usually. It forces you to see things from an entirely different perspective and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in their Convent! Thank you sisters!"
Daisy Scalchi, BBC Commissioning Editor said: “We’re so excited to have Stacey's collaboration on this new film for BBC1. It's enlightening to see Stacey living with this unique community, alongside a group of women who have dedicated their lives to exploring some of life's biggest questions. We're also very grateful to the nuns at St Hilda's Priory for their honesty, openness and for offering us a rare window into their world.”
Director Alice Bowden said: “It is a huge privilege to be given access to film in a Convent and Stacey, with her natural warmth and curiosity, is the ideal presenter to explore this contemplative life and tackle some of the bigger questions so many of us have been wrestling with over last few years.”
Stacey Dooley - Inside the Convent a 1x60’ for BBC One and iPlayer, is made by Firecracker Scotland. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Executive Producer, Documentaries, History and Religion. The Executive Producers are Elspeth O’Hare and Jes Wilkins, and the Commissioning Editor is Daisy Scalchi. The Director is Alice Bowden, and it will be distributed by Passion Distribution