Nick Ede, known as the 'Simon Cowell of Style' from his time on Project Catwalk, reflects on the often troubling experiences of being a judge on reality television. With Netflix's latest series 'Reality Check' revisiting the chaotic era of noughties reality shows, Ede admits that watching it has made him uncomfortable, as he has begun to recognize the manipulative tactics he encountered while on judging panels. These techniques, driven by the desire for high ratings, are now seen through a different lens, highlighting the lack of care for contestants at the time.

Ede reminisces about the television landscape of the 2000s, characterized by shock value and sensationalism, where shows like America’s Next Top Model and The X Factor set the tone for reality programming. He acknowledges a significant change in the industry, where pre-Instagram and pre-TikTok, contestants were often pushed beyond their limits, prioritizing entertainment over the well-being of individuals involved. This stark contrast also marks how reality TV has evolved, with current considerations for the mental health and safety of participants.

As a participant in that bygone era, Ede feels a moral obligation to speak about the experiences shaping reality TV today. His commentary serves as a reflective critique of how far the industry has come, encouraging a conversation about ethics in reality television and the responsibility of producers to protect contestants from the potentially damaging effects of the spotlight. His concerns echo a broader call for systemic change in reality programming, emphasizing the need for greater accountability.