A nation grieves as new details emerge on the tragic disappearance of mortgage advisor Nicola Bulley

The heart-wrenching disappearance of Nicola Bulley, a 45-year-old mortgage advisor, shook Saint Michael’s on Wyre, Lancs, and now a new Channel 5 documentary delves into the chilling details surrounding her final moments before the nation.

On the morning of January 27, 2023, Nicola carried out her routine, dropping her two young daughters at school before embarking on a walk with her dog Willow. However, within minutes, Nicola vanished without a trace, setting off a chain of events that captivated the public.

After arranging a playdate for her daughters via text and joining a work Teams meeting, Nicola was last seen walking Willow at 9:10 am. The mysterious turn of events escalated when her phone was discovered on a bench near the river at 9:33 am, with Willow anxiously running back and forth. Nicola’s work call continued until 9:18 am, even though the virtual meeting had ended at 9:30 am.

Partner Paul Ansell, alerted by the school, rushed to the scene upon discovering Nicola’s phone. Lancashire Police initiated an extensive search operation, involving divers, drones, and meticulous land searches. Despite no immediate signs of Nicola falling into the river, police continued to explore all possibilities. Tragically, three and a half weeks later, Nicola’s lifeless body was found in the water, a mile from where she went missing.

During the subsequent inquest in June 2023, a critical piece of evidence emerged—the FitBit activity tracker on Nicola’s wrist. At 9:22 am, the tracker recorded a significant spike in her heart rate, indicative of cold water shock. The coroner, ruling Nicola’s death accidental, suggested that shock could have led to her falling unconscious within 30 seconds. However, the circumstances surrounding how and why she entered the water remain an enduring mystery.

Partner Paul Ansell, reflecting on the devastating loss, expressed, “We will never forget Nikki, how could we? She was the center of our world. She was the one who made our lives so special, and nothing will cast a shadow over that.”

As the documentary unfolds, it revisits the timeline of Nicola Bulley’s disappearance, shedding light on the heartbreaking moments that led to a nation mourning the loss of a beloved mother and mortgage advisor.