CHANNEL 4’s documentary series Love You To Death revisits one of the UK’s most notorious medical deception cases.
Each episode of the three-part series runs for 60 minutes (including commercial breaks) and features interviews with medical staff, police officers, and family members.
The series includes the first on-camera interview given by Lisa Hayden-Johnson since her release from prison Credit: Alamy
The series premieres on Channel 4 at 9pm on Wednesday, August 19 Credit: TNA
It also includes the first on-camera interview given by Lisa Hayden-Johnson since her release from prison.
What is the Love You To Death TV schedule?
The series premieres on Channel 4 at 9pm on Wednesday, August 19.
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Episode 1: Wednesday, August 19 at 9pm
Episode 2: Thursday, August 20 at 9pm
Episode 3: Thursday, August 20 at 10pm
How to watch Love You To Death on catch-up
If you miss the “live” TV broadcasts, all three episodes are available to stream online via Channel 4’s free on-demand streaming platform.
More on Love you to death
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I was the ‘UK’s sickest child’… then the shock truth emerged after mum’s arrest
BITTER MEDICINE
Where Lisa Hayden-Johnson is now as Love You To Death airs on Channel 4
Viewers can stream the episodes on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and computers by signing into a free Channel 4 account.
What is the true story behind the documentary?
The documentary investigates the real-life case of Lisa Hayden-Johnson, who for at least six year, claimed her son Matthew suffered from a wide range of life-threatening medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, food allergies, and severe diabetes.
She routinely described him to the media as “the most ill child in Britain,” forcing him to use a wheelchair, rely on feeding tubes, and live as a full-time patient.
She subjected Matthew to over 300 unnecessary medical procedures, including invasive blood tests and surgeries.
Prosecutors said her actions were driven by a desire for publicity, attention, and financial gain.
Through her lies, Hayden-Johnson managed to meet high-profile public figures, including prime ministers and members of the royal family.
The ongoing deception also brought significant financial rewards, as she received cash donations, disability benefits, and charitable gifts alongside free luxury holidays.
Her legal team later confirmed she suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition where a caregiver exaggerates or induces illness in a dependent to gain attention and sympathy.
Hayden-Johnson was arrested in 2009. In January 2010, at Exeter Crown Court, she pleaded guilty to child cruelty and perverting the course of justice.
Judge Stephen Wildblood sentenced her to three years and three months (39 months) in prison, describing her behaviour as “cruel, manipulative, perverse, disordered, and pitiful.”
Prosecutor Andrew Macfarlane said in court that her actions amounted to “24-hour-a-day torture” motivated by publicity and financial rewards.
