Director Rachel Lob-levyt discusses the emotional toll of the new documentary, “The Search For Nicola Bulley,” and its focus on the case.

The director behind the BBC documentary The Search For Nicola Bulley has shared that it was “nerve-racking” to place the spotlight back on Paul Ansell, Nicola Bulley’s partner, after his life had been heavily scrutinised during the investigation into her disappearance.

The documentary, which explores the impact of the case and the media frenzy surrounding it, delves into the consequences of “amateur internet sleuths” who took matters into their own hands, spreading rumours and misinformation about the case. Nicola Bulley, a mother-of-two from Lancashire, disappeared on January 27, 2023, while walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre, shortly after dropping her daughters at school.

In the documentary, the family of Ms Bulley—including her partner Paul Ansell, sister Louise Cunningham, and parents Ernest and Dorothy Bulley—share their personal experiences and the emotional toll the intense media coverage had on them. Director Rachel Lob-levyt, known for her work on Louis Theroux Interviews and Hospital, explained that the family “tell their story in their own words, unfiltered,” and discussed the challenges of presenting the raw truth.

Lob-levyt revealed how difficult it was for Paul Ansell to return to the public eye, given the level of scrutiny he had already faced during the investigation. However, he ultimately felt it was necessary to participate in the documentary. She said, “The social media sleuths felt entitled to say whatever they wanted… Opinion takes on similar weight to verified information now, and everything is accelerated.”

At the time of her disappearance, Nicola Bulley’s case attracted intense online speculation, with users on platforms like TikTok spreading false claims about third-party involvement, and offering unverified theories. Police were overwhelmed with false information and rumours about the case, including a red van, a derelict house, and a fisherman near the scene, all of which were later dismissed by investigators.

In response to the documentary, Nicola Bulley’s family expressed that taking part in the project wasn’t an easy decision. They shared in a statement, “Our sole aim is to provide the definitive record on Nikki to ensure she has the legacy that she deserves,” and added that they wanted to highlight who she truly was as a mother, daughter, partner, and sister, beyond the headlines.

An independent review of the investigation into Ms Bulley’s disappearance, conducted by the College of Policing, highlighted issues with the media’s involvement in the case, criticising the release of personal details about Nicola’s health as “avoidable and unnecessary” and noting a fractured relationship between the police and the media.

Nicola Bulley’s body was found in the River Wyre on February 19, 2023, roughly a mile from where she had gone missing. The documentary The Search For Nicola Bulley is scheduled to air on BBC One on October 3, providing an in-depth look at the emotional impact of the case and the role of media in shaping public perceptions.