Life After Reality TV- “I felt like a zoo animal”
What happens to those everyday people who are thrust into the spotlight on reality TV shows looking for love?
That’s the premise behind Nova’s Back to Reality presented by Married at First Sight Australia (2022 season) - Al Perkins, and Love Island’s, Taku Chimwaza.
Looking for love on a reality TV show can get people into hot water.
I have to say, I’m not normally one for chatty podcasts that don’t have any of the bells or whistles. I prefer crafted, narrative-driven content that is heavy on substance and never glosses over the facts.
However, I secretly like (make that - LOVE) reality TV. It’s my one guilty pleasure that I don’t often share with people.
The MAFS format is genius. There is nothing that gets me more excited than seeing the excitement, glee or massive disappointment on the faces of the respective brides and grooms as their eyes meet down the aisle for the very first time.
Marriage is a heightened moment, even for couples who have been together for years, let alone, strangers thrust into a position where they hope for ‘love at first sight’ in front of TV cameras, no less.
Al Perkins, in his Married at First Sight Australia profile where he was described as ‘25 and having never been in a relationship’.
As the format has developed and the show has targeted ‘talent’ with large social media followings, it’s hard not to question the ‘authenticity’ of the stars on the show who are seeking love. But these days, that’s also half the fun. Reality TV needs to be entertaining and keep us hooked, and that relies on the casting. But one thing is for sure, every single candidate will get their 15 seconds of fame.
So what happens when the show ends? Whether it’s a boost in their social media following, paid promotions and sponsorship deals, or a next step in a long-term TV career, being on reality TV can be a life-changing experience for some.
Which brings me to Back to Reality - a candid, radio-style podcast where Chimwaza and Perkins share what it was like to return to ‘normal life’ after being on their respective reality shows.
While the vibe is very much commercial radio, and on the whole, pretty bloke-y, it works.
The duo are funny and even without knowing much about Chimwaza who appeared in the 2021 season of Love Island, he’s a natural behind the microphone. Inquisitive and cheeky, they bounce off each other discussing not only of the highs and lows of their TV experiences, but relationships, dating and everything in between.
“I felt like a zoo animal,” Chimwaza tells of what it was like to have strangers stop and take photos of him before even asking permission.
Perkins on the other hand explains why his ‘tongue-tie is likely to hold him back from any potential TV presenter roles, and that he would ‘love a TV career’, but also misses carpentry, which has been his career for the past ten years.
Its easy to forget that the cast of these shows, for the most part, return to ‘semi-normal’ lives after making appearances on reality TV. But equally, they have to ride the gravy train when media opportunities come calling.
Chimwaza and Perkins keep each other on their toes and their rapport makes for an entertaining listen. But while there is plenty of fluff, they also go deep on their own personal experiences before the show, including Chimwaza sharing his story of moving to Australia, which he discusses in the third episode, and being “one of ‘the only black kids at school” along with his cousin, and having to educate people about their misinformed stereotypes.
“Do you guys have electricity?” is one question the Zimbabwean has come across.
“My Mum is a real estate agent,” says Chimwaza who also talks about overcoming a stutter.
In the second episode, they bring on Jess Losurdo who coupled up with Perkins in his second reality TV show Love Island, which followed his stint on MAFS.
Not afraid to tell it like it is, or put him in his place, after declaring all of Perkins’ ‘red flags’ she offers him some relationship advice for the future:
Flirting is cheating.
Calling on the phone for a 10-minute chat every day isn’t good enough to keep a girl happy.
Going out on ice-cream dates (for every single date) is not good enough - a girl needs variation. Jess suggests movies, pizza and a wine, or dinner.
The podcast is simple, funny and doesn’t require any heavy-duty investment as a listener. But that’s also the hook because you’ll end up onto the next episode, and then the next.
With its lighthearted relatable stories mixed with heartfelt, unexpected ones, Back to Reality is perfect for anyone wanting the inside word on life before - and after - the cameras switch off. And if you’re keen on relationship advice from two everyday guys who’ve put their love skills to the test on international television, then this one’s for you.
Listen to the podcast here.
