Everything you need to know about The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East podcast
Join Hits Radio Breakfast's Fleur East as she tackles the Reality of Reality TV
Last updated 21st Jul 2020
Hits Radio Breakfast presenter Fleur East, who has been on a number of reality TV shows herself, takes us behind-the-scenes with her new podcast The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East which you can listen to now.
Each week Fleur chats to a well-known face in reality TV to find out how much is real, and what really happened...
What is The Reality of Reality of TV?
The Reality of Reality of TV is a podcast with Fleur East. Fleur, who has appeared on The X Factor twice and I'm A Celebrity, will speak to some of the biggest names around in the reality TV world, including RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner - The Vivienne, Alison Hammond who has appeared on Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebs Go Dating, and many more.
Speaking about her podcast, Fleur said, “I’m obsessed with reality TV. I did the X Factor twice, and I’m a Celeb too. I always get asked how much of my experiences were real."
Fleur continued, "Even my family, who watch behind the scenes the whole way through, still ask did that really happen? So, what is real?
"In this podcast I’ve loved swapping notes with other reality TV veterans. Asking what it was like for them, in a bid to uncover the truth."
How can I hear The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East?
All of the podcast episodes that have been released are available now from the Hits Radio website, through Apple podcasts, Spotify, and all mainstream podcast providers.
Speaking to us about her new podcast, The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East, Fleur answered some questions about her experiences on reality TV and how it helped her relate to her guests...
What can we expect from The Reality of Reality TV podcast, and which guests will be joining you?
My mission is to uncover the true reality of the crazy world of reality television. I reveal some surprising truths and some hard-hitting realities. Reality TV is so popular and there are many people from the younger generation that look up to the stars and are keen to build a career via reality TV. It is important for them to be aware of everything that comes with that. I uncover all of the highs and lows of being on reality TV and reveal some fascinating stories.
My guests include; The Vivienne (Ru Paul's Drag Race), Amber Gill (Love Island), Vicky Pattison (Geordie Shore, I'm A Celeb), JB from JLS (The X Factor, Strictly), Alison Hammond (Big Brother), Vas J Morgan (TOWIE), Janet Devlin (The X Factor), my jungle mate Harry Redknapp and more to come!
Episode 1: RuPauls' Drag Race UK winner - The Vivienne
In Episode 1 is all about RuPaul's Drag Race UK, the gruelling work involved in the show, why drag is not just fab make-up and a gorgeous body, and what REALLY happened in that 'red wig and silver dress' moment. 👀
Next episode lands Tuesday 14th July, make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out.
Episode 2: The X Factor's Janet Devlin
"Do I swallow that, or be the girl who throws up on national television?" Quite the conundrum for Janet Devlin, singer-songwriter, and finalist on The X Factor, who joins Fleur East on The Reality of Reality TV.
Episode 3: Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond has been on a lot of Reality TV shows, but there are some she wouldn't go on, Fleur East caught up with her to find out what she wouldn't go on.
Episode 4: Love Island's Amber Gill
Since leaving the famous Love Island villa, Amber has remained in the public eye, so we were over the moon to have her join The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East, when she revealed how she really felt after THAT Casa Amor moment.
Episode 5: Vas J Morgan
Vas J Morgan is known for appearing on The Only Way In Essex (TOWIE) between 2014 – 2019 as well as Celebs Go Dating, so we couldn't wait to hear his realities of Reality TV.
Episode 6: JB Gill
JLS singer JB Gill admitted that they saw The X Factor almost as a last resort. The band had been working together for 18 months before they went on the programme, but as JB explained they'd tried every avenue before.
Episode 7: Harry Redknapp
Coming from a background of football, Harry Redknapp seemed an unlikely contestant on I'm A Celebrity when he took part two years ago, but he describes his experience on the show as life-changing, saying he, "Learnt to laugh again."
Episode 8: Vicky Pattison
Former Geordie Shore star and I'm a Celebrity winner, Vicky Pattison joined Fleur East to talk about her experiences of Reality TV and how two of the biggest shows she's been on differed in their support and preparation.
Episode 9: Jordan and Perri from Diversity
Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely are part of the very successful Britain's Got Talent winning group Diversity, and have opened up to Fleur East on her podcast The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East about the hate they received and how they dealt with the haters.
Episode 10: Kerry Katona
Kerry Katona needs no introduction and in her own words, 'you hear before you see her!'. Through highs and lows, husbands and children, she's been gracing our reality TV screens for almost twenty years. So in the final episode of this series of The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East, she speaks openly and honestly to one of our absolute Queens of Reality TV.
How long is each episode and when is each episode released?
Each episode is roughly 40 minutes long and will be released every Tuesday!
What topics and themes are covered in The Reality of Reality TV ?
We cover fun topics such as secrets behind the various shows, how it works behind the scenes etc. We talk about the reality of famous reality TV moments that we all know and love. Each guest brings to the chat a few things they have found to be true after being on a show, which makes it very personal to them. As well as this, we cover serious topics including suicide, eating disorders, drugs, race, various mental health topics and the dark side to being on reality TV. It's a well-rounded insight into the world of reality television.
Why do you think people are fascinated with watching reality TV?
I think it fascinates us to watch people and draw similarities with our own lives. It's a comfort to know that we are not alone in our feelings and the way we react to situations. Also, it is fun to look into the lives of celebrities or people we may aspire to be like. We like to be nosey and we also draw inspiration from seeing others succeed and find relatability in the failure of others.
What were your reasons for going on reality TV and how did it change your life?
My reason was because I always wanted to sing and have a career in the music industry. Long before The X Factor I was working hard to forge a career in music through various different avenues and The X Factor came long at the right time and gave me the platform I needed to make it happen. It changed my life tremendously!
I will forever be grateful to that show and what it did for me and my family. I can now go to work doing what I love everyday which is amazing! The Jungle came as a result of the profile The X Factor created for me and that show also changed me as a person in so many ways.
Did you ever feel you were edited to come across differently and did you ever experience something huge in a reality TV show that was cut from the final edit?
I think what everyone has seen, on the whole, is a true representation of me as a person and my personality, particularly in I'm A Celeb I would say. But it really is difficult to know someone from a small chunk of footage that is edited down. There were so many moments of my auditions on The X Factor that didn't see the light of day and showed the many songs I had to sing and different challenges I faced in the process.
In some ways it was a lot harder in reality, compared to what anyone saw. There are also so many different aspects of my personality that have never been shown on reality TV as it's almost impossible to capture someone's complete character on an edited TV show.
WATCH: Fleur East sings Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk (2014)
How did your own experience on reality TV help you relate to others in this podcast?
It helped massively! I experienced things from my time on reality TV that my guests had also experienced and so we could bounce off of each other and go in depth on those shared emotions. But, at the same time, there were many differences when it came to the 'scripted reality' shows that I couldn't relate to completely and I dug deeper to learn so much more about other shows. On the whole, I could sympathise with a lot of the feelings and reactions of the majority of my guests and it was quite therapeutic talking through our experiences.
Why is it so important to give listeners this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what reality TV is like?
I feel it is a duty in a way to show all sides of the genre. We watch it for entertainment, but a lot of people are judged unfairly based on a clip on a show or are seriously affected by their experiences and no one realises that. It's important to be informed and I think we are living in a time where a lot of younger people have a dream to 'be famous' and look to reality TV as a vehicle to achieve that goal.
I feel it is crucial that they understand what they are walking into and they are educated on the real experience before they make that decision. It ultimately will change your life completely and not always for the better. So, in that sense, people need to be made aware of the risks. It's also fascinating to know how it all works as a genre for all the reality TV geeks out there. It's fun and educational at the same time.
And finally, would you make a return to reality TV?
I wouldn't rule it out if an opportunity came along that looked like something I would enjoy. I love a challenge and so if it was a chance to learn a new skill or test myself in a way I haven't been before, I would naturally be intrigued. Also as a huge fan of reality TV shows, it's always amazing to be given the chance to be on a show that you've watched yourself for years!
Now take a look through Fleur East's career highlights:
The X Factor (2005)
Fleur East was a contestant on The X Factor back in 2005 as part of Addictiv Ladies. The group consisted of Fleur with her childhood friends, Nicola Owusu-Akontoh, Stephanie Yamson and Vivienne Umeh. They were mentored by Simon Cowell, but were eliminated in week one.
The band went their separate ways after taking part in The X Factor.
Tour with DJ Fresh (2012)
Fleur sang on DJ Fresh's song 'Turn It Up' and toured with the DJ throughout 2012. Speaking about her performance at V Festival with the 'Hot Right Now' DJ, Fleur said: "We got the chance to perform on the 4 Music stage in place of Nicki Minaj (who couldn't make it) and it was an incredible experience! There were something like 60, 000 people in the audience and it was so surreal."
The X Factor (2014)
Fleur returned to The X Factor as a solo contestant in 2014, this time she had more success on the show, getting all the way through to the final. Fleur's first song on the show was John Legend's 'Ordinary People', which gave her three 'yes' votes.
'Uptown Funk' performance on The X Factor (2014)
In the semi-final of The X Factor, Fleur performed 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Although not released as an official single by Fleur, the song was so popular with the audience that it went to Number 1 on the iTunes chart. Fleur became the first X Factor contestant to reach Number 1 during the competition.
Debut single 'Sax' (2015)
'Sax' was Fleur East's debut single after The X Factor. The song was a massive hit in 2015. The song reached Number 3 in the UK and was certified Platinum. Speaking about her debut song, she said she wanted her music to be fun to listen to and that's what 'Sax' is for her.
Fleur released her debut album 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' (2015)
In the same year that Fleur had huge success with 'Sax', she released her debut album, 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks'. The album reached Number 14 in the UK and featured 12 songs, including her hits 'Sax' and The X Factor song 'Uptown Funk'. Nine of the 12 songs on 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' were co-written by Fleur. The album has been certified Silver in the UK.
Fleur East appeared on I'm a Celebrity (2018)
In 2018, Fleur was back in the public eye appearing on series 18 of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! The radio presenter was eliminated 8th, from the show that was eventually won by Harry Redknapp. Fleur later said that they were like family.
In the Jungle Arms, the campmates took part in a little karaoke, when Fleur's song 'Sax' came on and they all tried to learn her dance routine, but Harry wasn't convinced.
Fleur East joined Hits Radio (2019)
Fleur joined Hits Radio's breakfast show in July 2019. She was late on her very first day, but arrived in style. While Greg and James were at the Hits Radio studio bright and early to prepare for their first show, Fleur had to explain why she was "running a little bit late" and ended up speeding along Manchester's canals in a speedboat, finally arriving at Hits Radio.
Fleur surprises fans with a performance at Hits Live (2019)
Fleur took to the stage for a surprise performance at Hits Live Birmingham, performing 'Sax' and 'Size'. Armed with dancers, pyrotechnics and amazing vocals, Fleur looked phenomenal with her changed-up hairstyle.
'Size' was used in a TV advert (2019)
'Size' was the ever-catchy release from Fleur in the autumn of 2019. The song was also featured in the Debenhams Christmas advert.
Fleur released her second album 'Fearless' (2020)
After much teasing, Fleur East confirmed her second album 'Fearless' would be released in March 2020. Her album featured songs 'Easy To Love', 'Lucky' and 'Favourite Thing'.
Fleur released 'Not Alone' to raise money for the NHS (2020)
Fleur's song, 'Not Alone' was initially written for an exclusive performance on The One Show, encouraging viewers to stay at home amidst the Coronavirus crisis. However, after getting so much attention online, she's decided to write an extra verse and chorus so the song can be released to raise money for the NHS. 💙
Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette (2020)
During the national lockdown in 2020, Fleur continued with her weekly Rap Roulette. There was one in particular with incredibly powerful lyrics for Black Lives Matter. The lyrics included: 'People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?' Fleur's Rap Roulette was described as 'brilliant' and 'powerful' by Hits Radio listeners.
Fleur launched The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East (2020)
Fleur launched her own podcast in 2020 which was about The Reality of Reality TV. As someone who has been on a number of reality TV shows herself, she took us behind-the-scenes of the shows with her guests on her podcast.
Fleur is a contestant on Don't Rock The Boat (2020)
In November 2020 Fleur East took part in TV show Don't Rock The Boat. She was part of the winning red team along with Tom Watson, Jodie Kidd, Craig Charles, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Adam Thomas.
Fleur hosted The Void alongside Ashley Banjo (2021)
Fleur East launched her show The Void alongside Ashley Banjo. Those taking part faced mental and physical challenges whilst trying not to fall into The Void, a 520,000-litre water tank which stretched across the arena floor in the seven-part series.
Fleur East appeared on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (2021 and 2022)
Fleur East joined Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway for the 2021 series, giving away holidays to lucky viewers! She returned for the 2022 series to give away even more getaways.
Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning (2022)
Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning which was released on 6th September 2022 at selected cinemas. The film was about one couple seen in two separate timelines, a decade apart.
Fleur East joined Strictly Come Dancing (2022)
In August 2022, it was announced that Fleur East would join Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about the announcement the Hits Radio presenter said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."
During her time on the show, Fleur said: 'I'm dancing for a minimum of seven hours a day - it's hardcore! But the thing is you don't even realise you're dancing that long because you're enjoying it and you're focusing on getting the steps right and then before you know it it's over. I'm really enjoying Strictly but if I'm honest it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be - in terms of my fitness levels and what my body feels like.
"And learning the technique has been really, really difficult but above all of that I've just loved the experience, learning new dances, learning from Vito, building relationships with everyone I'm doing the show with. It's just so much fun'
In 2022, we brought the Hits Radio Breakfast show to you live from Blackpool ahead of Fleur taking to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom floor for Strictly Come Dancing. James and Producer Matt had a touching gesture in store as they arranged a flyover with a 'Vote Fleur' banner to surprise her with.
After 12 weeks of stunning dance routines, Fleur East and her dance partner Vito Coppola made it to the Strictly Come Dancing Final along with Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez, as well as Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
Fleur released 'Count The Ways' single (2023)
In December 2022, Fleur announced she would be bringing out a new single called 'Count The Ways' which she released in January 2023!
On the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, she teased: "There's a lot more music coming from me! I've been really inspired this year and I've written some new songs and played them to Vito in rehearsals and got his approval. And I've booked him for my next music video so he's all ready for that!"
Fleur announced for Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour (2023)
In January and February 2023, Fleur danced her way across the UK as part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. She performed with her partner Vito and the line-up also included Helen Skelton and Kai Widdrington, Will Mellor and Nancy Xu, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin, Tyler West and Dianne Buswell and Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
Looking ahead to the shows, Fleur said: "As a huge Strictly fan, being part of the TV competition has been an unbelievable experience and I'm absolutely over the moon to have the chance to get back into those fabulous sequinned outfits for the live tour next year!"
Fleur joined Strictly: It Takes Two
In 2023, Fleur joined Janette Manrara as a presenter on Strictly: It Takes Two. The Hits Radio host has continued to present the Strictly spin-off in 2024 and 2025.
Fleur East landed TV acting role in Phoenix Rise (2023)
Fleur East landed the role of a teacher called Miss Meesha in the BBC Three series Phoenix Rise. Her role appeared on screen in 2024!
Speaking about her role, Fleur said: "I'm thrilled to be a part of Phoenix Rise. There is so much raw talent and I've been soaking up the experience like a sponge! The cast and crew are amazing to work with and the scripts are real, gritty, funny and heart-warming. I can't wait for everyone to be introduced to my character Miss Meesha - she's a ball of energy!"
Fleur launched her haircare brand Kurl Kitchen (2024)
June 2024 saw Fleur launch her very own haircare brand, specifically designed for curly, coily, wavy, and tight-textured hair. Named Kurl Kitchen, the range offers shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl cream and hair oil.
Speaking about the brand, which sees products made sustainably and organically, Fleur said: "How funny, when we released Kurl Kitchen in June (2024), after four years of working on it, we went to Ghana, we formulated the whole range there. We have added all the ingredients like wild yam, okra, black soap shampoo. We have really incorporated all the ingredients that we grew up eating.
"We launched it, then boom Beyoncé released Sacred, and then Rihanna did hers. This is brilliant, we are at an age where people are recognising this is a huge market, and it's needed."
Fleur East performed at VE Day celebrations (2025)
In May 2025, Fleur East performed at the special programme, VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember. The performance took place on Horse Guards Parade. In a social post about the event, Fleur wrote: 'What an honour it was to perform at the VE DAY 80 celebrations last night. A night to remember and celebrate victory in Europe 80 years on.
'The glam team did such an amazing job! Make up by my sis @keshiaeast_ , hair by @jhair_stylist and outfit created by @vickygilldesign ❤️
'I had so much fun on stage with all of the dancers, including my strictly fam! What an amazing night. If you missed it, you can catch it on @bbciplayer.'
Fleur played Tina Turner in West End production (2025)
In April 2025, it was announced that Fleur had landed the role of music icon Tina Turner in the West End production of the musical Tina - The Tina Turner Musical. Fleur shared the role of Tina along with current star Karis Anderson, and performed in the musical from Tuesday 24th June until Saturday 13th September 2025.
Fleur hosted Hits Radio Live 2025
Fleur hosted Hits Radio Live 2025 in both Birmingham and Manchester, along with her Hits Radio Breakfast co-hosts James Barr and Will Best. The trio took to the stage to welcome artists such as Calvin Harris, Olly Murs, JADE, Ella Henderson and the Sugababes.
Catch Fleur East every weekday morning on Hits Radio from 6am. Wake The Fun up with Fleur joined by the biggest names in music, movies and entertainment.