Nicola Bulley's family issue heartbreaking statement as her partner takes part in upcoming documentary on her disappearance

Nicola Bulley's long-term partner Paul Ansell has explained the reason why he decided to appear in the upcoming BBC documentary about the Lancashire mother-of-two as her family admits it was 'emotionally draining' to speak about the tragedy.

Nicola's case made headlines up and down the UK when she disappeared on 27 January 2023 while walking her dog near in the village of St Michael's on Wyre.

The case would spark a frenzied response online from amateur sleuths and armchair psychics, with Paul and the Bulley family becoming the target of baseless conspiracy theories on social media.

Nicola's body was recovered from the River Wyre on 19 February, with her cause of death being ruled as an accidental drowning.

Nicola Bulley disappeared while walking her dog in January 2023 (PA)

Over a year and a half later, and the family have since been involved in the creation of upcoming BBC documentary The Search For Nicola Bulley, which will air next month.

The decision to appear in the programme wasn't an easy one for the family, who have since issued a heartbreaking statement regarding their reasons for participating.

Explaining why their involvement 'wasn't an easy decision' the family told Rogan Productions they wanted to make sure Nicola was given the 'legacy that she deserves'.

"Nikki's face and name quickly became very recognisable, but there is so much to share about Nikki the person," the statement read.

"Our sole aim is to provide the definitive record on Nikki to ensure she has the legacy that she deserves.

"It was emotionally draining reliving some of our experiences, but we wanted to do this for Nikki."

Paul has also revealed why he specifically decided to take part in filming, telling director Rachel Lob-levyt that it had been a 'nerve-wrecking decision' for him.

Nicola's family would later become the target of baseless conspiracy theories (Rogan Productions)

"We had a viewing with the family. It was difficult - obviously emotional for them. They feel the documentary really honours their experience, and honours Nikki. At the time she went missing, Paul was subject to a really difficult level of scrutiny," she explained to the BBC.

Lob-levyt continued: "The idea of putting himself back in the public eye is nerve-racking but ultimately, he thought it the right thing to do. The social media sleuths felt entitled to say whatever they wanted.

"In the past we'd have talked about these things in the pub, whereas now people broadcast it online and everything is accelerated. Opinion takes on similar weight to verified information."

A review of the investigation by the independent College of Policing was later conducted, with the report urging police forces to 'recognise the impact social media now has' when it comes to missing persons cases.

The Search For Nicola Bulley premieres on 3 October on BBC One.