The YouTube family vlogger is the subject of shocking documentary The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which aired on BBC Two last night.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter and Hannah McGreevy Assistant Editor for Reach Screen Time
09:02, 24 Jul 2026
Hulu true crime documentary The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke has now aired on BBC Two(Image: Hulu/BBC)
What happened to Ruby Franke? Everything you need to know
The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke aired on BBC Two last night, examining the disturbing case of the disgraced parenting influencer.
Franke launched her YouTube channel 8 Passengers in 2015, sharing controversial parenting advice that “began to raise eyebrows among her fans, leading to complaints and calls to police”.
The full extent of her abuse came to light when her malnourished 12-year-old son escaped through a window and fled to neighbours desperately seeking food and water. Police records revealed the boy had lacerations on his wrists and ankles consistent with having been bound with rope.
Franke had partnered with family counsellor Jodi Hildebrandt, who believed the children were “evil and possessed by demons”. Both the 12-year-old and his nine-year-old sister were held captive in Hildebrandt’s Utah home.
Both women were arrested in August 2023 and convicted of four counts of aggravated child abuse. They each received sentences of four to 30 years and are currently incarcerated at Utah State Correctional Facility. Franke’s initial parole hearing is scheduled for December 2026.
In November 2023, Franke’s husband Kevin Franke filed for divorce following over a year of separation. Following Franke’s conviction, her children were placed in protective custody, but her ex-husband has now been granted full custody and he has since remarried.
Ruby Wax will be with Tom Read Wilson as they host the British LGBT Awards together
22:52, 27 May 2026Updated 22:52, 27 May 2026
Ruby Wax and Tom Read Wilson will host the LGBT Awards(Image: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)
Ruby Wax will be with Tom Read Wilson as they host the British LGBT Awards together. The comedienne, 73, competed alongside Celebs Go Dating star Tom, 39, on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! towards the end of last year.
She said: “Glamour, chaos and emotion, as well as me trying not to say anything that gets me cancelled before dessert! But seriously, it’s going to be a celebration of brilliant people doing extraordinary things. There’ll be laughter, there’ll be tears, and there’ll probably be someone giving a speech that makes everybody rethink their life choices.”
The star, who has had a stellar career in stand up comedy and worked on Absolutely Fabulous with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, was then asked why “visibility” was still so important in this day and age.
She said :”Because visibility changes lives. When people see themselves represented, honestly and proudly, it gives them permission to exist fully. We’ve made progress, but progress can’t be something we assume is permanent. Events like the British LGBT Awards remind people that community matters, ally ship matters and joy matters too!”
Meanwhile, Tom, who has also appeared on This Morning, and presented a host of one-off documentaries, insisted that the whole thing meant “more” than a typical awards ceremony.
He said: “It feels profoundly special. I’ve always believed that visibility is a kind of kindness, and being here among so many extraordinary people who are actively shaping a more inclusive world is humbling.
“This isn’t just an awards ceremony – it is a celebration of courage and community. To play even a small role in that feels like a real privilege.”
Some of the biggest names leading this year’s awards, include Wicked star Jonathan Bailey, Loose Women panellist GK Barry and former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary. They are joined by an influential and diverse mix of nominees spanning entertainment, sport, media and activism, all recognised for their powerful contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
Additional standout nominees include Charlie xcx, Claudia Winkleman, and Jill Scott MBE, further cementing this year’s ceremony as a landmark moment for representation and recognition.
Rebecca Twomey, Head of Showbiz at the Mirror said: “We’re thrilled to put our support behind this incredible award ceremony which champions the LGBTQ+ community. The Mirror is all about bringing people together and championing all voices from the heart of Britain.”
The glittering ceremony will take place on 28 May 2026 in London, bringing together celebrities, business leaders, campaigners and community champions for an unforgettable evening celebrating progress, pride and possibility.
