Reality and talent shows have not only found a place on our television screens but also a firm place in our hearts – prompting much chat over topics such as who has won Traistors or who auditioned in front of Simon Cowell.
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 many memorable moments have been made and much repeated on the small screens an on social media.
For some reality television is a platform to stardom, while for others who are already well-known it is a chance to show a different side to themselves.
This year’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, which begins its annual residency on our television screens tomorrow (November 16), is no different.
But this area has had its fair share of stars of the small screen who are from the Portsmouth area, or who have very strong connections to our city.
Here’s a look back at a few people who have graced our screens, with shows that range from the big-hitters to those which were slightly shorter lived.
13. Reality television stars
Born in Portsmouth, Ant is a former Special Forces soldier, Royal Marines Commando, and Royal Engineer in the British Army, who was the chief instructor on the Channel 4 television series SAS: Who Dares Wins from 2015 until 2021. More recently he has embarked into politics and in 2024 gave his support to Reform UK and he spoke at the party's conference. He has also taken part in the far-right 'Unite the Kingdom' rally in London and has announced his intention to run for mayor of London as an independent in 2028. Middleton recently also attended the Portsmouth City Council’s extraordinary meeting earlier this year to back a motion to condemn recent migrant landings in the city. | The News
14. Reality television stars
Rachael Hawnt is a well-known singer locally and won Starstruck in 2022 after appearing in the final as Cher. Recently she led a brand-new theatre show celebrating the incredible music of Cher.
15. Reality television stars
Former Pompey footballer Chris Kamara is no stranger to the small screen thanks to his punditry. But in 2023 he was the first character to be unmasked on the new series of ITV1’s reality singing contest The Masked Singer. (Photo: Ian West/PA)
16. Reality television stars
These days Portsmouth-born Amanda Holden may be better known for being a judge on the reality television show Britain's Got Talent. But before she became a household name her first television appearance was as a contestant on the game show Blind Date in 1991 with Cilla Black. (Ian West/PA)