Louis Theroux isn’t one to shy away from a difficult or controversial subject – and his latest documentary, Selling Sex, which will take an intimate look at the world of sex work, is no exception to the rule.

The laws dictating sex work across the country remain the subject of vociferous debate.

In England, Wales and Scotland, prostitution itself (the exchange of sexual services for money) is completely legal. However, a number of related activities – including soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling, owning or managing a brothel, pimping and pandering – are crimes.

“Current UK law makes it a criminal offence for sex workers to work together for safety,” said sexual health specialist Louise Cahill, when she called for the government to change its current sex laws earlier this year.

“Brothel keeping is defined as just two or more sex workers working together. Therefore, sex workers have to choose between keeping safe and getting arrested. No one should be put in danger by the law.”

Many people have an opinion on sex work – with some focusing on the safety of sex workers, others on the morals and ethics. Now, Louis Theroux is adding his voice to the conversation with Selling Sex, his newest documentary for BBC Two.

Louis Theroux on why Selling Sex was his most challenging documentary to date