Embarrassing Illnesses
Encyclopedia
Embarrassing Bodies is a British television programme broadcast by Channel 4
and made by Maverick Television
since 2007. In 2011, a live show was introduced, "Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic", which consists of 47 minutes. Various spin-offs have been produced in relation to the programme to target different patients, such as Embarrassing Fat Bodies and Embarrassing teenage Bodies.
about. A contradiction to this notion is that if patients were too embarrassed to see their own GPs, why would they bare all on television? A possible explanation is that patients are hoping to find a solution to their medical problems that their own GPs have been not been able to resolve.
As well as showing patients' visits to the doctor, the possible effects of certain people's occupations, such as cyclists or football players, is also shown. The programme has been hugely successful and has attracted vast numbers of people to visit the programme's website.
on a database for natural plant remedies and medicines, and that was an online element of the Medicine Men series. The database invites contributions to the public and will eventually be turned over to Kew as a national, public resource. In a similar way, Embarrassing Bodies is the kind of engaging, accessible public health project that the NHS, arguably, should be doing. A quick scan of the discussion forums shows the kind of intimate but very real health concerns of viewers (some, it has to be said, reminiscent of Karen Krizanovich in Sky Magazine
) and a well-observed demand for health advice that perhaps NHS Direct is missing.
The programme is narrated by Ashley Jensen
. Actor Nick Thomas-Webster and Big Brother 8
contestant Shabnam Paryani featured as patients in the first series. Series 1 was named Embarrassing Illnesses, Series 2 was named Embarrassing Teenage Bodies, Series 3, 4 and 5 were named Embarrassing Bodies, and a one-off episode, "Embarrassing Old Bodies", was broadcast in January 2010. A new series, Embarrassing Bodies: Kids, was shown in April 2010. The sixth series of Embarrassing Bodies started on 28 January 2011.
In an interview with Digital Spy
, Dawn Harper explained that the programme will save a large number of lives and will definitely encourage people to see their GP
more often.
series, Embarrassing Bodies: Live From The Clinic (titled "Diagnosis Live From The Clinic" in pre-publicity and the first episode) launched, enabling viewers to appear via webcams and Skype
. The programme was presented by Christian Jessen and Dawn Harper, with additional narration and reports from Pixie McKenna. These episodes consist of 47 minutes
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
and made by Maverick Television
Maverick Television
Maverick Television is a television and multiplatform production company with offices in Birmingham, England and London, England.Notable programmes produced include the health brand Embarrassing Bodies, the make-over show 10 Years Younger and How to Look Good Naked, all produced for Channel 4.In...
since 2007. In 2011, a live show was introduced, "Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic", which consists of 47 minutes. Various spin-offs have been produced in relation to the programme to target different patients, such as Embarrassing Fat Bodies and Embarrassing teenage Bodies.
Purpose
The concept of the programme is showing members of the public obtaining treatment and advice for unusual, obscure or embarrassing medical issues that they are "too embarrassed" to go to a general practitionerGeneral practitioner
A general practitioner is a medical practitioner who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education for all ages and both sexes. They have particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues and comorbidities...
about. A contradiction to this notion is that if patients were too embarrassed to see their own GPs, why would they bare all on television? A possible explanation is that patients are hoping to find a solution to their medical problems that their own GPs have been not been able to resolve.
As well as showing patients' visits to the doctor, the possible effects of certain people's occupations, such as cyclists or football players, is also shown. The programme has been hugely successful and has attracted vast numbers of people to visit the programme's website.
Development
Channel 4 has already worked with Kew GardensRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London, England. "The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew" and the brand name "Kew" are also used as umbrella terms for the institution that runs...
on a database for natural plant remedies and medicines, and that was an online element of the Medicine Men series. The database invites contributions to the public and will eventually be turned over to Kew as a national, public resource. In a similar way, Embarrassing Bodies is the kind of engaging, accessible public health project that the NHS, arguably, should be doing. A quick scan of the discussion forums shows the kind of intimate but very real health concerns of viewers (some, it has to be said, reminiscent of Karen Krizanovich in Sky Magazine
Sky Magazine
Sky Magazine is the magazine distributed to subscribers of the BSkyB satellite service Sky Digital.- Availability :The magazine is available to subscribers of the Variety Pack or all packs of entertainment.- Content :...
) and a well-observed demand for health advice that perhaps NHS Direct is missing.
The programme is narrated by Ashley Jensen
Ashley Jensen
Ashley Jensen is a Scottish actress who is best known for her roles in the television series Extras for which she was nominated for an Emmy, and ABC's Ugly Betty...
. Actor Nick Thomas-Webster and Big Brother 8
Big Brother 2007 (UK)
Big Brother 2007 was the eighth series of the United Kingdom reality television programme Big Brother, airing on Channel 4, with a number of closely associated programmes also airing on E4....
contestant Shabnam Paryani featured as patients in the first series. Series 1 was named Embarrassing Illnesses, Series 2 was named Embarrassing Teenage Bodies, Series 3, 4 and 5 were named Embarrassing Bodies, and a one-off episode, "Embarrassing Old Bodies", was broadcast in January 2010. A new series, Embarrassing Bodies: Kids, was shown in April 2010. The sixth series of Embarrassing Bodies started on 28 January 2011.
In an interview with Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
, Dawn Harper explained that the programme will save a large number of lives and will definitely encourage people to see their GP
General practitioner
A general practitioner is a medical practitioner who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education for all ages and both sexes. They have particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues and comorbidities...
more often.
Embarrassing Bodies: Live From The Clinic
in May 2011, a spin-offSpin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
series, Embarrassing Bodies: Live From The Clinic (titled "Diagnosis Live From The Clinic" in pre-publicity and the first episode) launched, enabling viewers to appear via webcams and Skype
Skype
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chat over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system...
. The programme was presented by Christian Jessen and Dawn Harper, with additional narration and reports from Pixie McKenna. These episodes consist of 47 minutes
External links
- http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.comEmbarrassing Bodies at Channel 4Channel 4Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
] - http://www.livefromtheclinic.channel4.comLive From The Clinic at Channel 4Channel 4Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
] - Embarrassing Illnesses at Nine MSN