The Fake Sheikh

Season: 1

This three-part documentary series unveils how Mazher used false identities to expose sports stars, politicians, and other celebrities in order to rise to fame. However, the very same thing caused a drastic downfall in his career and life when he was convicted of breaking the law and imprisoned for 15 months.

Documentary

1Tue, Sep 26, 2023

Episode 1

Maverick reporter Mazher Mahmood tries to make a name for himself in the cutthroat world of tabloid journalism. He poses as a hitman and exposes a respected doctor who wants his mistress dead. But what Mahmood really wants is a huge scoop. He devises an audacious undercover operation, posing as a jet-setting Arab sheikh with a playboy lifestyle to expose the misdemeanours of two football tycoons.

2Tue, Sep 26, 2023

Episode 2

The Fake Sheikh becomes a global star after a string of jaw-dropping scoops, including exposing a plot to kidnap David Beckham’s family and a sting on England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. But as Mahmood’s star rises, questions grow over his methods and relations become strained with some of the people closest to him.

3Tue, Sep 26, 2023

Episode 3

Mazher Mahmood is seemingly unstoppable, despite his doubters. Then shockingly the News of the World closes amid national scandal. But Mahmood is a survivor. He joins a new paper and sets up an undercover sting on British pop star, Tulisa, aimed at exposing her as a Class A drug dealer. But there’s a twist in the tale as the fake sheikh finds himself in the headlines and on trial.