Broadcaster Katie Piper is to explore life behind bars for women and babies in a moving documentary, after revealing she’s been working as a volunteer in women’s prisons

Katie Piper will be delivering a new documentary from the United States, focusing on life behind bars for women who are pregnant.

The broadcaster has been volunteering in female prisons for several years and has explained she has a deep interest in the subject.

Now, the Loose Women star, 39, has partnered with W Channel to launch Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars, which will see her throw herself into the US prison system.

During the five-part series, the star will discover the similarities and differences between prisons across the States as well as the UK.

Speaking about her previous experience, Katie said: “I have worked as a volunteer in female prisons for many years now, so I already have an intense & vested interest in the subject.”

Katie Piper is launching a brand new documentary filmed in the US ( 
Image:
Zak Walton)
While reflecting on her new show which she will start filming next month, Katie added: “I am thrilled to be working with the W Channel in 2023. I have always had a strong interest in real-life documentary formats and Piper Behind Bars is already proving to be a fascinating project.

“As a long-standing volunteer in UK women’s prisons, I’m intrigued by the varying treatment within the US system.

“I have no idea what to expect when I’m across the Atlantic, but that’s the magic of a documentary. I can’t wait to see how this project unfolds.”

During her new project, Katie will meet with women who are coming to terms with being pregnant and what being behind bars could mean for their children.

She will also delve into how women are treated in prison while pregnant and how they cope with having to give their children up in order to complete their stretch.

Katie will begin filming her new documentary in the coming weeks ( 
Image:
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

Katie currently volunteers in female prisons across the UK ( 
Image:
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
Her news saw Katie flooded with messages of support following the announcement, with one fan writing: “This is absolutely incredible. The US is going to love you, Katie.”

“A difficult story. I look forward to it,” said a second.

While a third added: “Such important work – can’t wait to hear and learn.”

“This is going to be so valuable and powerful. I can’t wait to watch Katie,” gushed another.

Meanwhile, executive producer Colleen Flynn said: “We are thrilled to be working with W and Katie on such an important series.

“The complexities of women within the criminal justice system is a subject that desperately needs to be explored further and with Katie at the helm, we hope to ask a pivotal question about whether anyone should ever have to give birth behind bars.”

Katie Piper: Babies Behind Bars will air on Channel W and UKTV Play later this year.