A shocking new true-crime series from the BBC has gripped the nation, detailing one of Scotland's most extensive and disturbing catfishing cases. The Beauty Queen and the Catfish unravels a 15-year deception where a perpetrator posing as a handsome doctor manipulated nearly 100 women.
The Glamorous Target and the 'Doctor'
The story centres on former Miss Scotland finalist Abbie Draper, an airline stewardess whose life took an unexpected turn. After moving back to Kilmarnock to care for her grandfather following his stroke, she accepted a Facebook friend request from a man named David Graham. He claimed to be her grandfather's doctor, and his profile seemed convincing, complete with photos taken inside the hospital and an established network of friends.
Despite initial trust, Abbie's mother grew suspicious, having never seen this doctor during hospital visits. The contact intensified when Abbie started a dance group. David Graham approached her to recruit dancers for a charity gala at a Glasgow hotel, an opportunity she eagerly promoted to her followers.
The Web Unravels and a Shocking Discovery
The scheme began to collapse when Abbie received an anonymous warning message: "Whatever you do, don't trust David Graham." Heeding the advice, she called the hotel and discovered the charity ball had never been booked. This prompted her to investigate, leading to the revelation that David Graham was not listed on the official medical register.
Abbie then connected with other victims, forming a Facebook group chat they named '007'. Through this network, a crucial clue emerged: one woman mentioned that during a call with 'David', he had passed the phone to someone named Adele. Abbie tracked down an Adele from Kilmarnock on Facebook and was horrified. She instantly recognised her as a woman she had seen working alongside her grandfather in the hospital.
"It was quite sickening," Abbie recounted, describing the moment of realisation. She took to social media to expose the truth: the charming 'Dr. David Graham' was, in fact, a woman named Adele Rennie.
A Nation Captivated by the Deception
The three-part documentary, which landed on BBC iPlayer earlier this month, follows six of the estimated 100 women targeted over a decade and a half. Some were manipulated into sharing intimate photographs as part of the elaborate ruse. Viewer reaction has been one of stunned disbelief.
One audience member called the scale of the deception "staggering," while another declared the twist "bonkers." A third viewer noted it was a "fascinating documentary" that fell outside their usual viewing habits, highlighting the series' broad appeal. The case stands as a stark warning about online trust and identity, revealing how a meticulously crafted facade can exploit vulnerability on a massive scale.
