Tom Daley's BBC documentary on surrogacy is scrapped by bosses
Tom Daley’s BBC documentary on his surrogacy journey is scrapped by bosses after he became unable to film during his Olympics training’
A BBC documentary set to focus on Tom Daley’s surrogacy journey has been axed by TV bosses.
The diver, 28, welcomed a son with his husband Dustin Lance Black in 2018 via. surrogate, but plans for the programme have been shelved after he was unable to film alongside his Olympic training.
Tom, who has recently fronted two documentaries for the BBC, would have focused on the laws surrounding surrogacy in the UK, as well as his own journey to fatherhood.
Shelved: A BBC documentary set to focus on Tom Daley’s surrogacy journey has been axed by TV bosses
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: ‘Due to Tom’s sporting commitments in the run-up to the 2020 Olympics, he was unable to film.
‘Given the topicality of the subject and its exploration of the arguments for and against a change in the law, he agreed with the BBC it would have been impossible to complete the film in a satisfactory way that would have accurately reflected the situation at the time.’
A source added: ‘There’s been some scratching of heads among observers as it was strange to unveil plans only for them to be shelved.
Parenthood: The diver, 28, welcomed a son with his husband Dustin Lance Black in 2018, but plans for the programme were shelved after he was unable to film during Olympic training
‘Tom would have had some idea what is involved in making a documentary and training. After all, he has competed at the Games in 2008, 2012 and 2016.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for the BBC and Tom Daley for further comment.
Tom went onto win gold in the 2021 Olympics alongside fellow diver Matty Lee in the 10m synchro event, after coming close to the top prize several times.
His documentary was first announced by the BBC back in 2018, with Tom McDonald, BBC Head of Commissioning, Natural History and Specialist Factual, saying at the time: ‘Surrogacy is one of the most complex issues in modern society and the laws which govern it are radically different across the world.
‘As new fathers through surrogacy, Tom and Lance are both committed to exploring all of the nuances around this very emotive subject. I’m thrilled that Tom is going to be our guide in this deeply personal and intelligent film.’
In the film, Tom would have explored how surrogacy works in the UK, where it’s illegal to advertise for or pay surrogates except for reasonable expenses.
He would have also travelled to California, where commercial surrogacy, complete with contracts between surrogates and want-to-be parents, is more the norm, as well as a European country where surrogacy is totally illegal.
Programme: Tom, who has recently fronted two documentaries for the BBC, would have focused on the laws surrounding surrogacy in the UK, as well as his own journey to fatherhood
Tom and Dustin are fathers to their son Robert, four, who they welcomed to the world in June 2018.
The television personality has admitted his offspring begs him begs him to stop knitting, a favourite hobby of the sportsman.
Tom loves making woolly garments for Robbie but admitted his enthusiasm isn’t always shared by the little boy.
He recently told Prima magazine: ‘I love making stuff for my son Robbie.
‘I’ve made him so many jumpers and cardigans. It has got to a point where I sometimes get the needles out and he’s like, ”Papa, no more knitting.”
‘But he’s been asking for a hat for a while so that’s my next project.’
Tom became famous for his knitting after he sat in the stands creating a Team GB jumper during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in Japan.
Family: The television personality recently admitted his son begs him begs him to stop knitting, a favourite hobby of the sportsman (pictured with his husband Dustin)
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