"My tit's hanging out," says an uber-glam Olivia Attwood, host of ITV's brand-spanking new reality television offering, as she heads to meet the civilian cast for the very first time. And in that singular moment, what sets Bad Boyfriends apart from others of its genre is crystallised.
Since finding fame on the now-iconic third season of the channel's annual summer juggernaut Love Island, Olivia Attwood has done what very few on that trajectory manage. She has defied the expectations (or, let's face it, stereotypes) thrust upon her, broken out of the mould and carved out a successful career in broadcasting, podcasting and documentary journalism.
And it's Olivia's unique brand of self-deprecation, honesty and openness that's landed her there – something both she and ITV have tapped into with this new TV show. Well, it's impossible to imagine Maya Jama mumbling about a potential wardrobe malfunction during a slo-mo entrance into the Love Island villa, isn't it?
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In a space that's fairly oversaturated, it's hard to break through with a genuinely original and engaging format. The likes of I Kissed a Boy (which first arrived on screens in 2023, later applying the same format to follow-up I Kissed a Girl) is a recent example of success, but we've yet to see a brand new breakout hit in 2024.
Bad Boyfriends is essentially a bootcamp for a group of unassuming lads who have been set up by their disgruntled girlfriends. Ranging from laziness through to commitment and trust issues, each lady has a reason to want more from the man in her life – but for their part, the boys think they've signed up for a format called Brotopia (yes, really) hosted by none other than Pete Wicks.
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The first episode of Bad Boyfriends does a great job of introducing its cast, giving compelling context to their desire for a relationship fix-up. As a viewer, there's a level of investment and the promise of drama seems clear. But at the end of the day, it's quite literally Olivia's show and she is the secret ingredient.
Far from the polished, sometimes overly-produced, scenes of Love Island, Olivia Attwood's Bad Boyfriends veers into more of a documentary style at times. Whether we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at Olivia's make-up prep, or a shot of the camera crew before things start rolling, this fourth wall break brings the viewer on board and invites us to feel as though we're along for the ride with Olivia, rather than just spectating.
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Reality television audiences have become fairly vocal about a wish for greater authenticity – there's a reason Big Brother's return has proven such a success – and Bad Boyfriends creates a sense that it's all on the table, not just the carefully-curated scenes they want us to see.
Sure there are elements of the format that feel borrowed, whether we're talking about the initial fake show ruse, the must-have luxury villa, or the pun-inspired challenges. But Bad Boyfriends' host Olivia has injected herself, and her humour, into proceedings – not to mention, the concept itself draws inspiration from her own relationship journey with former "bad boyfriend", and now supportive husband, Bradley Dack.
There's only one Olivia Attwood. And with her stamp all over it, Bad Boyfriends stands out from the crowd too – ushering in a fresh new format not seen yet in 2024.
Bad Boyfriends airs on ITV2 and ITVX.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
