Whether it’s the disgusting challenges on I’m a Celebrity, surprising acts on talent shows or some Apprentice candidates being a little too sure of themselves, it is watercooler conversation fodder like no other.
This area has had its fair share of stars of the small screen.
Here’s a look back at a few people who have gone on to fame and fortune via television, with shows that range from the big-hitters, to those – such as Splash!, Life on Marbs and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? – which were slightly shorter lived.
5. Kim Woodburn
Kim, half of the How Clean is Your House? team, was born in Eastney. She appeared in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2009, and during a bushtucker trial was submerged underwater in a glass coffin. She came second in the series, behind chef Gino D'Acampo Photo: ITV
6. Harry Redknapp
Former Pompey manager Redknapp went one better than Kim Woodburn in the jungle, coming first in the 2018 series. He won over viewers with his devotion to his wife Sandra Photo: -
7. Helena Blackman
Helena was the runner-up in the contest How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? in 2006, which looked to find someone to play Maria von Trapp in a production of the Sound of Music. From Locks Heath, Helena has had a successful career on stage, appearing at the Kings Theatre several times Photo: Jonathan Brady
8. Lina Hodgkins
Lina Hodgkins featured in the ITVBe reality TV show Life On Marbs. Originally from Portsmouth, Lina had lived in the Spanish beach resort for several years before the cameras came to town (151216-6) Photo: Ian Hargreaves