[James]

Saw this at Digital Spy. The Josh comments are from an old article, Narinder's remarks are new I think.

Remember Josh Rafter? The businessman was drafted into the Big Brother house two years ago after being voted in by millions of viewers once the series proper had started.

Like his other housemates, he became an instant star, but Josh has big problems with Big Brother and other reality television shows like Pop Idol and Wife Swap.

Josh believes programme makers can "suck you up and spit you out."

In an interview published last year, Josh, a London property developer, said he had felt a "rollercoaster of emotions" since leaving the house.

He adds: "People should be very, very wary of doing it. The Press can be relentlessly negative. That wears people down."

But is enough support given to these instant media celebrities placed in such trying situations? Josh Rafter, despite meeting with a psychiatrist provided by Channel 4, thinks not.

Remembering his frustration on leaving the hit programme he says: "It's very controlling. Someone should be there to say: `It doesn't matter if you are feeling worried, don't worry if you are feeling emotional'.

Narinder Kaur was in the second series of Channel 4 programme Big Brother. She now works as a freelance radio and TV presenter.

Big Brother made her an instant star, but the fame and adoration didn't last for long. After her stint in the limelight, Narinder, 30, who grew up in the North-East, left her job as a medical sales rep and followed her dream to be an actress.

Regular acting work has not materialised but she is making a living as a presenter and recently fronted the Asian Music Awards.

She says: "I don't think I would have managed to get into presenting without reality television."

Narinder says her Big Brother fame got her interviews and auditions but also came with a downside.

She says: "It got me labelled. I suppose reality television people are all case studies.

"Sometimes you have good weeks and sometimes bad ones.

"I am a very strong, very ambitious person. Some of my Big Brother housemates have gone back to their day jobs and have found it very difficult. The following year there is another programme and they are old news.

"It is very hard on the younger ones, they are only 16 or 17 years old. Sometimes it is very hard to take the Press criticism, reality people are easy targets."

More at http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0...l&siteid=50081

[Janette]

I think a lot depends on what these people expect. If they want to suddenly become famous, then they will but it won't last long!

Brian was an exception!

If they go into a show like this for the enjoyment, without any preconceptions then they will get much more out of it!

Look at Helen and Paul, they are happy and don't complain about the fact that they're not in the papers every day - rather the contrary!

[BusyBee]

How I agree with you Janette. But the question is if Narinder is making a living out of presenting - what on earth is she actually presenting cos I dont know of anything.

I think perhaps BB1 and 2 people were surprised by what happened to them, but dont think the same can be said of 3 and 4 - they knew exactly what they were letting themselves in for.

And yes P and H have done it their way - they could have taken advantage of all the media interest and really milked attention in respect of their relationship, but they didnt and its all the stronger for that. Take a bow you two you deserve it.

[Kaz]

Narinder did present a series called 'Undercover Lovers' on some Sky channel (I think it was 'Trouble'), BusyBee - but it was hardly a high profile show.

Her problem is that she's tried too hard to cash in on her BB 'fame' and as a result has ended up being branded as a Z-list celeb who'll turn up to the opening of an envelope.

I don't think she'll ever be taken seriously now as a credible presenter.

And I wholeheartedly agree with your statement about Helen and Paul - after the incredible media frenzy surrounding them after BB2, I think they've struck exactly the right balance between the occasional public appearance (mostly in Helen's case, sadly) and leading a normal, happy life together. BLTCS!

[dizzy bint]

Regarding Narinder I'm sure I read something not so long ago where she said she is making very little money, in fact less than she did as a medical rep and that she is totally dependant on her husband.

However, she moved to London (a very expensive place to live) in order to be nearer the party scene, allegedly.

mmmm I think a reality check might be in order and a return to normal life might be a good move.

[kaphc]

hi dizzy bint, I read this too. It was in an article for Now! magazine (or maybe New magazine) about how BB contestants lives had changed for the worse once they had been on the show.

Narinder was quoted as saying "I don't want to be portrayed as a wannabe" (or words to that effect), which was quite ironic as that is how she has always come across to me, ever since she walked out of the BB house.

I admire her for pursuing her dreams, but think that she should also know when to quit!