Zara McDermott recently revealed her ordeal of feeling “scared” and “petrified” when she faced a potential arrest while filming her latest documentary for the BBC. The former Love Island star and TV personality embarked on a journey to Thailand to explore both the idyllic beauty and the darker aspects of the country. Despite having obtained filming permissions, tensions escalated quickly as Bangkok police attempted to confiscate their footage and threatened them with arrest shortly after Zara’s arrival.
Reflecting on the intense situation, Zara expressed how the atmosphere became increasingly tense during the filming process. Despite having the necessary approvals in place, they encountered difficulties with the authorities and bar owners who were adamant about halting their filming activities. Eventually, due to escalating pressure, they were forced to abandon the filming location.
Throughout the documentary, viewers will witness the challenges faced by Zara and her crew as they are confronted by bar owners and police, leading to a halt in filming and even attempts to delete captured footage. Zara highlighted the intense moments where they were pressured to erase vital footage, risking losing all their work from the past few days.
In addition to shedding light on the bar culture and drug issues in Thailand, Zara engaged with sex workers, uncovering harrowing and disturbing stories. She shared her personal insights on the prevalence of the sex industry, recounting a particularly alarming incident involving a sex worker coerced by a customer to consume an unknown pill, showcasing the dangers and risks faced by individuals in such environments.
Zara’s involvement in the documentary extended beyond presenting, as she was actively engaged in its development and production. Emphasizing the importance of being hands-on throughout the project, she expressed her commitment to incorporating the lessons learned into future endeavors, underscoring the significance of the creative process.
“Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise” is available on BBC iPlayer starting from Monday, September 8.