The incredible tale of a ladies hairdresser from Hartlepool who created a heat resistant material that baffled NASA, Boeing and the M.O.D.

In 1990 on the BBC science show ‘Tomorrow’s World’ a most incredible material was demonstrated. In that episode presenter Peter Macann painted an egg with a thick white substance, he then exposed the egg to the fierce flame of a blow torch for several minutes. Picking up the blackened egg, Peter cracked it open revealing the raw, uncooked contents.

The material known as ‘Starlite’ appeared to have near miraculous heat-resistant qualities. It was all the more incredible due to the fact that its creator, Maurice Ward, was an untrained ladies hairdresser from Hartlepool.

The demonstration proved so effective that it soon grabbed the attention of NASA, the MOD and Boeing. Governments and huge multinational companies and governments were soon clamouring to work with Maurice… and then… nothing…

In 2011 Maurice died with Starlite never having fulfilled its potential.

In this 6 part series for BBC Reel, reporter Lee Johnson and myself set out to uncover the true story of Starlite and its enigmatic creator. Featuring rare archive material and candid interviews with family, friends, materials experts and those who tried to work with Maurice, the films uncover startling new information.

Did the secret of Starlite die with Maurice?

How does Starlite work and what is in it?

Was it all just an elaborate party trick… or could Starlite have changed the world?

Watch the promo teaser below or view all 6 films at BBC Reel.