Now, I'm not really a fan of the brash types of reality TV. The thought of Big Brother, TOWIE or any of these shows which makes people famous simply for getting their mug in front of a camera leaves me very cold. And a little bit depressed at the state of the human race. However, I will admit to having a soft spot for shows where contestants get through on the strength of their work ethic and ability. But after another lacklustre series of the Voice, and the run up to this year's X Factor failing to set me alight, I'm getting pretty done with the talent format too. And don't even start me on the Apprentice, it brings me out in a violent full-body rage. But there is one show I've never lost interest in - the Next Top Model franchise. American, Australian, British...I don't care, I'll watch and get hooked on any series I come across. What is strange about this is that I don't have any sort of interest in fashion or the industry behind it. I never harboured the desire (or the bone structure) to be a model myself. This shouldn't be a programme that grabs me on any level. But it totally does. And so this week was very exciting for me, as series 9 of Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model kicked off with a double bill. TV heaven.
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| BINTM |
I'm still mourning the loss of stylist Grace Woodward from the judging panel. Her sharp wit and straight talking hit the perfect note of constructive criticism and credibility. This year we have Dannii Minogue instead, which I was happier about than last year's Whitney Port because I think Dannii is strong in her opinions but doesn't say things just for shock. But in the opening episode something about her seemed off...like she had lost her sparkle. I guess it must be hard to dazzle when you're stood next to Elle Macpherson though. Elle sashays into shot like some extra terrestrial creature, all mile long limbs and unimaginable radiance. Poor Dannii. Poor anyone within a 30 mile radius.
I've taken an instant dislike to one of the contestants already. Angel. She's up there with Apprentice contestants as having the unique ability to make me feel rage in every cell of my body. From the affected accent, to the "split personality" in a desperate attempt to make herself interesting, to talking down to people over tiny comments. I couldn't believe it when she asked the other girls to punch her when she was told she had made it into the competition...why did no one take her up on her offer?! I would have gladly slapped her.
The trail at the end of the first episode showed clips of a lot of girls crying, a good indicator that this series is going to be fun. And the second episode, where the competition really started, didn't disappoint. What better way to bring out the bitchy than brides versus bridesmaids? And the bitchy is something I love about this show - the girls will often be very upfront how they feel about one another's performance or behaviour. I think that adds a new dimension for the viewer, because we get to really evaluate how the contestants are doing and what they are truly like (in as far as the producers will allow us). That is so different from other talent shows where we often only see the practised and stage-managed performance, and where the contestants never give away anything real because they're so busy pretending to get along.
Next week is makeover week...the real reason anyone watches this programme. I can't wait.
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