Channel 4 documentary - Love Cheats

We are incredibly proud to announce that the powerful true story behind Playing with Fire is coming to television. Love Cheats, a brand-new documentary from Channel 4, airs at 9pm on Monday 21st October 2024 — and will also be available to stream on Channel 4’s online platform thereafter.

For those familiar with Playing with Fire, you’ll know that this story is anything but ordinary. Written by Coleen Greenwood and Karen Crear, the book chronicles Coleen’s real-life experience of falling in love with a man who turned out to be living a web of lies. Presented as a heroic firefighter, James wasn’t just deceptive he was dangerous, manipulative, and ultimately criminal. What started as a romance soon spiralled into an unimaginable ordeal involving fake identities, financial fraud, and emotional devastation.

The Channel 4 documentary Love Cheats takes this gripping narrative further, bringing it to life through interviews, real footage and the voices of those who were directly affected. It offers an unflinching look at the psychological manipulation, the emotional scars and the resilience of two women who refused to be silenced.

The documentary doesn't just highlight one woman’s journey, it raises critical awareness about romance fraud and the predators who exploit love and trust for their own gain. It’s a call to vigilance, strength and ultimately, hope.

For readers of Playing with Fire, Love Cheats provides a new lens through which to understand the trauma Coleen experienced and the strength she found to reclaim her life. And for those yet to read the book, the documentary serves as a compelling introduction to a true story that reads like fiction but is heartbreakingly real.

Our courage in telling our story has already resonated with thousands. Now, with the release of this documentary, our voice will reach even more hopefully empowering others to speak up, seek support and take back control.

We encourage you to tune in on 21st October at 9pm. Share it with friends, discuss it with your book groups, and consider revisiting (or discovering) the book that started it all. You can find Playing with Fire at all major retailers and we recommend pairing the reading experience with the documentary for the fullest impact.

Let’s continue to amplify stories that matter, stories of survival, truth and the fire it takes to walk through deception and come out stronger.