Boyzone star Keith Duffy said exploring the history of dentistry in Ireland for a new documentary was both “shocking and scary”.
The Dublin-born singer, 48, aims to understand Ireland’s rapidly changing relationship with their teeth – from dentures as wedding gifts to veneers – and the reasons behind the dental boom.
Keith’s Teeth: A Dental Odyssey will see the star uncover “shockingly tragic” stories from Ireland’s dental past, while also meeting those who travel to Turkey “hoping to reverse years of dental neglect through enticing packages of cosmetic dentistry,” broadcaster RTE said.
Duffy said: “It was a real eye-opening and educational experience working on this programme. The history of dentistry in Ireland is shocking and frightening.
“We’ve gone from a nation that neglected our teeth to a nation addicted to cosmetic dentistry in just two generations.”
The documentary will see Duffy navigate the past and present of Ireland’s dental landscape, “revealing hidden histories and raising questions about the consequences of our quest for the perfect smile”, RTE said.
Duffy rose to fame as a member of Irish band Boyzone, alongside Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and the late Stephen Gately, after they were joined by former X Factor judge Louis Walsh in 1993.
The band sold millions of albums and released hit singles including Words, A Different Beat and No Matter What.
After Gately’s death, the band continued as a four-piece and released the farewell album Thank You & Goodnight in 2018, featuring a reworking of a demo Gateley recorded in 2002 with his vocals.
Duffy also formed the “supergroup” Boyzlife with Westlife’s Brian McFadden.
Keith’s Teeth: A Dental Odyssey will be broadcast on RTE One at 9.35pm on September 27.