Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping - Everything we know so far about the upcoming BBC docuseries

Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping is an upcoming three-part docuseries, set to be released on BBC iPlayer on 4th August 2025. It will tell the true story of British model Chloe Ayling’s terrifying abduction in 2017 in her own words.

This will be the first time Chloe shares her full account on camera since her kidnappers were sentenced. Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping aims to revisit the traumatic events, the aftermath, and the widespread disbelief she faced. The trailer for the docuseries begins with Chloe saying,

''People definitely get the wrong opinions of me.''

''The media and public not believing me, even still to this day, I want that to be changed.''

Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping will include interviews and new insights and hopes to clarify what really happened and how the incident continues to impact Chloe’s life today.

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The real events behind Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping

In the summer of 2017, twenty-year-old Chloe travelled to Milan, Italy, expecting to take part in a modelling photoshoot. Instead, she was attacked, drugged, and placed in a bag. Her kidnappers took her to a rural house where she was handcuffed to a chest of drawers. They told her she would be auctioned online as a sex slave within six days.

The kidnappers claimed to be members of a criminal organization called Black Death. But despite the dangerous situation, Chloe convinced them to release her. She was eventually handed over to the authorities.

While many would expect support and sympathy after such a traumatic experience, Chloe instead faced harsh scrutiny. The media quickly picked up the story, and doubts began to surface. Some questioned whether such a gang really existed. Others wondered how Chloe had managed to talk freely. Her calm appearance after her release only added to the speculation.

Soon, rumors spread that the incident may have been staged for publicity. As the court proceedings unfolded, the kidnappers gave their version of events. This led to even more confusion among the public.

However, after a full investigation, an Italian court found Lukasz Herba and his brother Michal Herba guilty of kidnapping. Both were sentenced to prison. Now, eight years later, Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping aims to revisit this complicated case and give Chloe the chance to tell her story in her own words.

Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping is directed by Stuart Bernard and Miles Bladen-Ryall, executive produced by Katharine Patrick, and produced by BBC Studios Documentary Unit for BBC Three and iPlayer, and will also be distributed internationally.

According to BBC Media Centre, Chloe spoke about Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping, saying:

“I’m delighted BBC Studios are telling my story - not only in my own words, but also through the voices of those directly involved. For years, people have doubted me, often because they don’t understand what really happened — or who I am. I think this documentary truly unravels and dives deep into who I am, the events of the kidnapping, as well as the intense media aftermath that tried to define me. I think people will finally see through the headlines.”

Executive Producer Katharine Patrick said:

“This series enables Chloe to unpack the truth of what happened to her eight years ago, allowing her to process the ordeal she’s been through in an honest and unflinching way, and make sense of the person she is now as a result.”

Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning for Documentaries at the BBC, commented,

“In Chloe’s own words, this documentary series will explore what it means to be a victim, who becomes the focus of nationwide speculation and is still living with people’s disbelief, eight years later."

Fiona Campbell, Controller for Youth Audiences, added,

“Chloe presents a brave and compelling perspective of her highly publicised case through this documentary which I hope will provide viewers with a new understanding of the real person behind the headlines.”

Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping will be released on iPlayer on 4th August 2025.

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