My Tattoo Addiction

Reflecting the changing nature of tattoos and the industry, the film follows contributors who have all developed a unique relationship with their tattoos: the ex-holiday rep with 14 tattoos, including several expletives and one of a booze cruise's website emblazoned on his chest; the tattoo addict with facial tattoos; the obsessive Miley Cyrus fan; the 67-year-old seeking to cover up the racist tattoos of his youth, and his tattooist daughter, who has her five dead cats on her back. The film also hears about the tattoos that people have lived to regret and many tattooists explain that a substantial amount of their business - one estimates as much as 40% - is fixing badly inked or self-administered tattoos. Duncan expresses his grief at the loss of a close friend through the ink on his body; while James expresses his desire to escape from his surroundings in his tattoos. And Helen and Amy's tattoos are part of their attempt to fit in to a world that views them as outsiders.

This episode meets people whose body art represents their way of moving on. Cathy's obsession with a certain novel helped her come to terms with a difficult past. Lindsey is getting her first tattoo in her 40s to celebrate the most important person in her life. And Dave hopes his new tattoo will cover the scars of a failed relationship.

Whether it's a conscious decision or a thoughtless impulse, every tattoo is a statement of someone's hopes, ambitions or state of mind. This episode meets people whose addiction to body art has had a profound effect on the way they live their lives, whether it's a manifesto or an embarrassment. Mark's many photo-realist tattoos deliberately flirt with accepted notions of taste. The programme also meets Woody, the outspoken 'tattooist-provocateur' who's responsible for them. Deke discusses his attempts to conceal a tattoo celebrating his dubious past from his girlfriend's parents. In Magaluf, reveller Liam tries to convince other holiday makers to brand their bodies with his random burger nipple design. And Joanne's tattoo of an ex-wife's name is a last painful reminder of her previous life as a man.