The BBC should take lessons from Channel 4 and ditch its woke approach to reality TV if it wants to survive, according to a new opinion piece. The criticism comes after Channel 4's Four in a Bed went viral for a natural plot twist, which the author says is becoming rarer on BBC shows.
Since the start of the year, the BBC has made considerable changes to many of its biggest TV shows, from giving Strictly Come Dancing a full makeover to axing beloved BBC radio stars in favour of younger talent. The decisions have divided Brits, with many going down poorly.
Channel 4's viral moment
This week, Channel 4 proved how to deliver quality daytime television without compromising on format. The latest instalment of Four in a Bed, set in Kent, followed Maidstone host Saban as he welcomed competitors to the 700-year-old Stone Court House.
While Saban hoped to beat B&B owner Emma-Louise, glamp site owners Ami and Mark, and luxury stay owners Mark and Anne, he came in fourth place. But he turned the game on its head in what has been called "one of the best plot twists ever."
On payment day, Saban accused the other stars of cheating through tactical underpayments. After watching a rival couple underpaying his fellow teammates, he overpaid one couple by £220. He declared: "It's worth it, the luxury you provided, it is perfect. The other reason is that there's no way I could have allowed you two to win. It was a game play from the start. The way I see it, I cheated to stop the other cheaters winning."
BBC's woke problem
These sorts of natural moments are happening less and less on BBC reality shows, with the corporation bubble-wrapping contestants to the point where it crushes creativity and freedom. This natural moment on Four in a Bed refreshes interest without changing the format.
Strictly Come Dancing is a prime example. BBC bosses have been overcomplicating the concept for years, and introducing chaperones in the rehearsal rooms slows down the friendship and chemistry between the celebrity and the professional. The author hopes BBC bosses take on board that less is more before the relaunch of Strictly later this month, to allow creativity to flourish.
