As seen on TV

BBC splashes £100,000 on Cherie: The Documentary

Licence payers money pays for public relations for the 'First Lady'.

Linda McDougall, who made a TV documentary about Mrs Blair in 2001, said Number 10 had done everything it could on that occasion to prevent anyone talking on camera about the Prime Minister's wife. Mrs Blair was also said to have claimed she did not want a programme to be made about her. But Miss McDougall said she was not surprised Mrs Blair had now decided to reveal more of herself. "When she leaves Downing Street she will be cashing in like crazy, and this will help to keep up her profile," she said.

The show could be shown in America, Canada and Australia, either on the BBC's subscription channels or on indigenous stations. This would give Mrs Blair vital exposure in the countries where she makes most of her money from public speaking.