‘This fake setup shouldn’t really work, but does brilliantly thanks to the authenticity and honesty of the celebrities’
The first series of the long-running reality format to be produced under Objective Entertainment launched with a trip to a sun-soaked villa in Ibiza. Retaining the core format beats, the show attracted a more eclectic and entertaining cast than ever, from Atomic Kitten icon Kerry Katona and quiz legend Mark “The Beast” Labbett, to Made in Chelsea’s Sam Prince and TV personality Christine McGuinness.
The judges were hooked by the cast’s humour, vulnerability and authenticity. More than one pointed to the unbelievable moment when Mark accidentally drank from a candle.
“The cringe is definitely very real,” said one judge.
Another remarked: “This fake setup shouldn’t really work, but does brilliantly thanks to the authenticity and honesty of the celebrities, and the genuinely laugh-out-loud voiceover from Rob Beckett.”
Comedian Beckett’s narration once again became a social media talking point as he guided viewers through the celebrities’ ups and downs, while fan favourite Tom Read Wilson returned to bring his trademark warmth and wit.
The finale achieved 232,000 (2.5%) viewers, making it the strongest in three years, and the show continues to rank among E4’s top 10 for young people aged 16-34 – as it has done for the past decade.
Shortlisted
A League of Their Own
CPL Productions for Sky Max
A League of Their Own marked its final chapter after 15 years and 20 series by celebrating its status as one of Sky’s most successful entertainment formats ever. Highlights of the final episode, hosted by Romesh Ranganathan, included an exclusive Max Verstappen VT, a Guinness World Record golf attempt and a mash-up of Popstar Penalties and Human Darts.
Hold My Hand
Gold Wala for LumoTV
The first-ever dating show in British Sign Language, Hold My Hand proved that access is not a bolt-on but can be the engine for entertainment. Created by deaf producers and featuring contributors communicating via sign language, the show outperformed every other project on LumoTV in views and social conversation, sparking national coverage and helping to shift perception of the network from niche to must-watch.
I Kissed A Boy
Twofour for BBC
The return of the UK’s first gay dating show I Kissed A Boy brought together a range of personalities, backgrounds and dating experiences to offer an honest representation of the queer dating world. Emotional depth was found in important topics that included men’s health, grief and gender identity, with the third episode featuring a standout moment in which one cast member shared his experience of living with HIV.
Love is Blind UK
CPL Productions for Netflix
Hosted by Matt and Emma Willis, Love is Blind UK proved that the popular global dating format can be revitalised for a new audience. Combining franchise staples with a uniquely British identity and a diverse and slightly older cast than in other series, the August 2024 debut broke records in the UK, and became Netflix’s number one TV program in nine countries during launch week.
Olivia Attwood’s Bad Boyfriends
Optomen Television for ITV2 & ITVX
The second series of this reality format opens with a new batch of eight men nominated by their long-suffering girlfriends, who go undercover to test their loyalty during a night out. Over a series of challenges, the format drew out raw and relatable issues, including unresolved trauma, while keeping Olivia’s signature wit at the forefront.
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