October 31st 2024.
It's hard to believe that it has been over 30 years since the infamous Halloween prank that left viewers terrified. Sir Michael Parkinson, a well-respected figure, played a prank on the audience that caused such distress, it resulted in children developing PTSD. The mockumentary, known as Ghostwatch, featured Parkinson and former Blue Peter presenter, Sarah Greene, as they investigated a supposedly haunted home.
At first glance, it seemed like any regular news report, but little did the viewers know, they were about to be tricked. The program aired at 9:25 pm and included "home footage" of a ghost tormenting two children in their bedroom, with their mother desperately trying to save them. The realism of the show was so convincing that over 30,000 people complained to the BBC switchboard in just one hour, with many angry parents claiming their children were left petrified.
The backlash was so severe that the episode was immediately banned from ever being shown on British TV again, and despite Parkinson's death in 2023, the BBC still refuses to repeat it. Even now, over 30 years later, people are still traumatized by the show, with some claiming it caused them to "wet the bed" and others saying they were "scarred for life." Clips from the show have resurfaced on TikTok, reigniting the fear and terror it caused so many years ago.
Ghostwatch was the brainchild of horror writer Stephen Volk, who had originally planned for it to be a six-episode horror series. However, he was asked to turn it into a 90-minute program for Halloween. In an interview, Volk revealed that there was initially a plan to have a discussion program afterward to "diffuse the tension." But the BBC decided against it, and as soon as the show ended, it cut to a completely unrelated program, "Match of the Day."
The repercussions of the show were devastating, with one family even claiming that it was responsible for their son's death. Martin Denham, an 18-year-old boy with learning difficulties, died by suicide just five days after the show aired. His parents believed that the show had convinced him that their home was being haunted by ghosts. The Broadcasting Standards Commission investigated the show and found it to be excessively distressing and graphic, with a deliberate attempt to create a sense of menace.
In the aftermath of the show, it became clear that more support was needed for those who were affected by it. Emotional support was offered by organizations like Samaritans and PAPYRUS, who provide 24/7 helplines for anyone struggling with their mental health. The BBC also faced criticism for not doing enough to warn the audience of the deception and for not providing any support after the show ended.
It's hard to believe that a simple Halloween prank could have such a lasting impact on people's lives. It's a reminder that what may seem like harmless fun can have serious consequences. As Dame Helen Mirren reflects on the "end of the road" of her acting career, it's important to remember that the power of performance can have a lasting effect, for better or for worse. And as for the Spider-Man meme, it's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected things can bring people together.
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