BBC One’s special tribute documentary to Dame Deborah James aired last night (Thursday 30 June), after the broadcaster and cancer campaigner passed away aged 40.

Deborah James: The Last Dance is a half-hour programme exploring the life and legacy of James, who was just 35 when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. Known online as Bowelbabe to her followers, the mother of two spent the next six years of her life changing the conversation around cancer and raising millions of pounds for charity.

She became known for her candidness, humour and unflinching determination to spread the word about her cancer journey, documenting every step and her own chemotherapy through BBC’s You, Me And The Big C podcast, as well as her bestselling book F*** You Cancer. 

As broadcaster Gaby Roslin says in Deborah James: The Last Dance: “She was this bubble of energy and craziness and laughter.”

The documentary takes a look at her wonderful legacy through first-hand accounts from some of those closest to her. Contributors include Lorraine Kelly, Adele Roberts, Gaby Roslin, George Alagiah, Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland, Emma Campbell (Limitless Em) and Professor David Cunningham.

In the final weeks of her life, James’s BowelBabe fund raised more than £6 million (it currently stands at £7 million), she received a damehood in her parent’s back garden (presented by Prince William in May) and, most importantly, she raised more awareness for the condition. 

As well as an outpouring of online responses to James’s death and legacy, this documentary is another way of honouring the campaigner with the help of those who knew her best. 

And it was an understandably emotional watch but a fitting tribute to someone who has left a great impact on many:

For many viewers, hearing about James’ life and diagnosis put a lot of things into perspective:

Viewers also took the chance to reflect on how James positively impacted their own journeys with cancer:

And, ultimately, it was just a small tribute to someone whose presence and impact will be missed by many:

Deborah James: The Last Dance is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Image: BBC