Nicola Bulley's partner and family appear in the BBC's new tell-all documentary, due to hit cinemas in the next few days – as the director reveals the “most nerve-wracking” part of the show

Nicola Bulley's partner and family will appear in a new tell-all BBC documentary which will be shown on television in the next few days.

The Search For Nicola Bulley, which airs on Thursday 3 October, will take an in-depth look at the disappearance and tragic death of the mother of two and show the influence “amateur internet detectives” had on the search.

Mrs Bulley, 45, drowned in the River Wyre while walking her dog in St Michael's on Wyre on January 27 last year.

Her body was found three weeks later, on February 19, after a huge search operation.

Her sister Louise Cunningham, as well as her parents Ernest and Dorothy Bulley and her partner Paul Ansell all took part in the documentary, revealing the impact of public scrutiny on their lives.

The director of the BBC documentary, Rachel Lob-levyt, said it was “nerve-wracking” to bring the Lancashire mother's partner back into the public eye.

The mysterious disappearance of Nicola Bulley preoccupied the nation for months in 2023, while the missing mother's case was accompanied by both speculation and critical investigation

She added: “We watched the film with the family. It was difficult – obviously emotional for them. They feel the documentary really honors their experience and Nikki.”

“At the time of her disappearance, Paul was under extreme scrutiny.

“The thought of going back into the public eye is nerve-wracking, but ultimately he thought it was the right thing to do.”

“The social media detectives felt entitled to say what they wanted. In the past, we would have talked about these things in the pub, but now people spread it online and everything is accelerated. Opinions carry a similar weight to verified information.”

A coroner ruled Ms Bulley's death an accident, saying she fell into the river and suffered “cold shock” and there was “no evidence” of suicide.

Police had accused “TikTokers” of “playing private detectives” in the area during her disappearance and said they had been “inundated with false information, accusations and rumors” in connection with the case.

People on social media made false allegations of being involved in the incident and rumours were spread about a derelict house across the River Wyre, a red van in the area, a fisherman seen nearby and a glove belonging to Ms Bulley. All of these rumours have been dismissed by police.

Nicola Bulley with her springer spaniel Willow, who she was walking near the River Wye when she 'disappeared' into the river.

Specialist Group International is searching a stretch of the River Wyre where Nicola Pulley disappeared in St. Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire

Bulley family lawyer Terry Wilcox (centre) and DCS Pauline Stables (left) read a statement following the coroner's verdict outside County Hall in Preston, Lancashire, on 27 June 2023

Her family had previously criticized “completely inaccurate speculation” following the 45-year-old’s death.

Through their production company Rogan Productions, they released a statement about the new documentary, saying that participating was “not an easy decision.”

They added: “Nikki's face and name quickly became very well known, but there is so much to tell about Nikki as a person.

“Our only goal is to provide the definitive record of Nikki to ensure she receives the legacy she deserves. Many people have expressed their views on her disappearance and her untimely and tragic death, only we can speak about her as a mother, partner, daughter and sister.”

The family also said: “It was emotionally exhausting to relive some of our experiences, but we wanted to do this for Nikki.”

An independent review by the College of Policing into the investigation into her disappearance concluded that the relationship between police and the media was “broken” and called for it to be restored.

In addition, the publication of personal information about Ms Bulley's health problems was criticised as “avoidable and unnecessary”.

Her body was found in the River Wyre on February 19, about a mile from where she disappeared.