You're responsible for consulting on licensing in different countries. Where has the show caused the most controversy?
I think wherever the show appears, it always attracts a lot of attention. It's quite an assumption. And that's certainly been the case in the UK. But once the show kicks off, it's a huge hit in every country and I think people are always surprised to see it as well. Because it's about dating inside out. It's about whether physical attraction helps you find the perfect partner. But the show also celebrates people and relationships. We really have all body types in it, so it's a celebration of diversity, nudity, and also all different types of relationships.
How is it in Catholic countries like Poland or Italy?
The show is a huge success there too. So it's obvious that there's an interest in it. I think it was quite a step forward with this format. In both countries, the show has proven to be very successful, there have been multiple series.
Source: TV ÓčkoThere have been Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian versions on Ócek. How do you explain the popularity of the show in the Nordic countries?
From a UK perspective, we would probably say that Scandinavia has perhaps a reputation for being a more liberal and open country, and so it has been a huge success. It works in all different types of cultures.
In the Czech Republic, apart from Óčko, the TV stations have been reluctant to introduce the format. How did it go in the beginning in Britain? What were the first reactions from viewers?
Well, that takes us back to 2016. I think it was quite a big surprise both in the media and with the audience. You know, a lot of viewers really took it to heart. I think they were surprised at the end that it wasn't just about the physical side of things and naked bodies on TV, but learning more about these people. And then the show is also a great opportunity to really break down boundaries.
In what way?
I've already talked about all the different kinds of relationships and also opening up what dating can be for different types of people and for somewhat distinctive participants. For example, we had a participant with Crohn's disease, so he had an ostomy bag. He said he wanted to break down all the preconceptions about that and be on the show. We always have a really wide range of body types. So it's really accessible, not everyone is perfect.
Today, Naked Attraction is an established show, also airing on the American streaming platform HBO MAX. So is there going to be an American version?
The British show was obviously a big success in the States. But we don't know of a local version there yet.
What about in Asia? There, controversial and bizarre reality shows are very popular, especially in Japan.
Not yet. But as you've seen, the format has spread to places you might not have expected. So who knows?
You've come to the Czech Republic to help with casting. What's the main motivation for people to actually sign up? Are they really looking for love or just for fun?
It's important that everyone who enters the show is really looking for love. So we often have people who maybe have tried online dating or just haven't had much luck in their love life. And so they want to try a different way of dating. And of course, we make sure that everyone has a great experience on the show as well. Everyone who participates says it's fun, too.
Do you know what percentage of them actually end up staying together? Is there a database that tracks that?
As far as the success of this show in the dating realm, yes. Perhaps surprisingly, Naked Attraction has fostered quite a few relationships. I think it's just as successful as traditional dating shows. So there are a number of couples who have formed long-term relationships. Some are living together. Even our very first couple from the very first episode have formed a long-term relationship.
In the Czech Republic, we're still in the process of choosing the contestants and the host or hostess. The foreign versions are hosted mainly by women. Is there a reason for that?
It's not necessary. In the UK we started with a female presenter and I think all the participants feel very comfortable with a woman. But in Germany, for example, the moderator is a man.
Has anyone from the creative team ever been tempted to participate in a naked dating show?
I only know of a Danish presenter of the local version of Naked that came naked to the local TV awards.
Do you have any message for those who are still hesitant to apply for the Czech Naked Attraction competition?
If you are curious and interested, get in touch to find out more. And as I mentioned, we have a very thorough casting process, so you can be sure that you will feel very comfortable and confident when you come to the studio.
Source: idnes.cz
