The Psychology Of A Second Life

When broadcaster Jaz Singh revealed on the BBC reality TV show The Traitors that his father had a secret second family and was living a double life, he didn't expect the outpouring of shame and grief he received from hundreds of other people who had lived through similar experiences.

As Jaz movingly explores his own feelings, he meets others who have lived through and discovered the second lives of those close to them. A wife who, after years of being happily married, discovered on social media that her husband was married to another woman. A daughter whose father had an entirely separate family and children - but whose existence was only revealed after he died.

Jaz tries to understand the psychology of these second lives, asking what drives people to weave such complicated webs of deception. How do they manage to deceive so entirely? And how can those who have been betrayed forgive and heal?

Producer: Helen Clifton

Executive Producer: Jo Meek

Sound Design: Craig Edmondson

An Audio Always production for BBC Radio 4

Broadcaster Jaz Singh explores the psychology behind secret second lives.

Secret second lives have long been a source of fascination. But what is the reality for those impacted by the devastating betrayal of those they love and trust?