Born To Be Different 2016: Channel 4's documentary series about disabled youngsters follows William and Zoe as teenagers

The latest instalment of the long-running groundbreaking documentary series is an emotional watch
Ben Travis1 March 2016

Every few years, Channel 4 provide an update on their groundbreaking documentary series Born To Be Different.

The series traces the lives of five young people (formerly six, as one dropped out) born with disabilities, seeing how their lives change and how their families take on the challenges thrown in their way.

In the latest two-parter, they’re not kids anymore – as if the strains of adolescence weren’t already difficult enough, these teenagers have even more to overcome.

William’s tuberous sclerosis is continuing to cause complications, as the condition means that tumours grow across his body – and the drugs he needs will be hugely costly for the NHS.

Meanwhile Zoe, who has a condition called arthrogryposis which affects the movement in her joints, is running for head girl at school, and feels self-conscious about her arms.

That’s not to say it’s all downbeat – Zoe’s positive spin is that, considering everything she’s had to deal with, she perhaps has a great deal of maturity and life experience to draw from in the role.

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Most heartening to see is the bond between the teens – having grown up in the same documentaries, they know each other and have formed genuine friendships.

It’s a beautiful and affecting return to these wonderful people.

Channel 4, 9pm

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