In July 2000, Nick Bateman unknowingly stepped into uncharted territory as one of the first UK contestants on Big Brother. He was chosen from tens of thousands of eager applicants, blissfully unaware of the whirlwind that awaited him. Merely 35 days into the show, Bateman was ushered out through the backdoor for manipulating nominations. This incident sparked a confrontation with fellow housemates, led by Craig Phillips, who later won the series. Upon his return to reality, Bateman found his face plastered on tabloid front pages and was christened with an enduring nickname – “Nasty Nick.”
“No amount of training could have prepared me for that,” Bateman confessed to Sky News. “One day you’re just a regular person, and infamous the next.”
This weekend marks Big Brother’s return on ITV. Unlike the oblivious contestants in its inaugural season, current participants will be fully aware of the millions of eyes scrutinizing their every move.
The start of Big Brother heralded a new era in reality television in the early 2000s, setting the stage for programs like Love Island, Britain’s Got Talent, Shattered, and There’s Something About Miriam. The latter two were known for pushing boundaries — depriving contestants of sleep or using a transgender star as a surprise twist.
The controversy stirred by “Nasty Nick” in the first season was instrumental in shaping reality TV as we know it today. It set off an obsession with real-life tension and controversy, prompting producers to sustain this interest.
Bateman now resides in Australia and reflects on his experience with a hint of regret. He describes care for participants during his stint as mere “box-ticking,” offering no support once their time on screen ended. He admits that while he coped with the backlash following his ‘crime’, it did upset him.
As reality TV evolved over years, it has faced severe criticism for its handling of contestants’ welfare. This criticism was fueled by tragic incidents such as the suicides of former Love Island participants and host Caroline Flack. As a result, improved welfare packages were introduced for subsequent series.
Big Brother producers Banijay have announced a comprehensive support program for new housemates to combat instant fame’s potential fallout. However, viewers are still drawn to the drama — fights, squabbles, and drunken antics often provide the most compelling content.
Love Island episodes have sparked Ofcom complaints regarding care for contestants, but those same episodes also tend to be ratings winners and most talked about on social media.
Professor John Oates from the British Psychological Society’s media ethics advisory group points out that while drama and heightened emotions make for captivating TV, they need to be handled with care, ensuring respect for participants’ dignity, autonomy, and privacy.
It’s recognized that participation in reality TV can have long-term effects on individuals. Professor Oates explains that these shows might encourage viewers’ voyeuristic impulses while also providing insight into how others manage their lives and stress.
Katy Manley, managing director at Initial (part of Banijay UK), believes that reality TV can strike a balance between entertainment and ethics. She assures that welfare will not be compromised in creating entertaining content in the upcoming Big Brother series.
Bateman expresses curiosity over the show’s return. He believes its success hinges on the casting process. He suggests that producers should avoid creating artificial situations or pressuring participants into actions they’re uncomfortable with. His final piece of advice? Involve previous housemates in the casting process as they know the ins and outs best.