Osman Slams Noughties Reality Shows and Producers

has furiously criticised noughties TV producers for trying to defend disturbing elements of their reality shows, after they faced heavy backlash.

The broadcaster discussed his own work in the industry following the release of 's three-part docuseries which shined new light on America's Next Top Model.

In the documentary, which has sparked criticism over the treatment of models on the show, producer Ken Mok reflected on the series' more controversial moments, echoing the reason that what was deemed acceptable back then was different.

But Richard called into question the reasoning that 'things were different' that had been stated by so many producers of Noughties shows, stating they should have known what was 'right and wrong.'

The former Pointless star also shared that he helped devise the concept for the hugely popular reality show Survivor, which has aired for 50 series in the US. 

Speaking on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment with Marina Hyde, Richard said: 'The one thing I always think when I watch those shows, you watch The Biggest Loser and things like that, the documentaries, and they'll have the producer on and they'll say ''yeah but don't forget, things were very different then''

'I was there then, and things were not that different then, you knew what right and wrong was, and when I see some of the justifications for what people did on those shows.

'I think back to rooms that I had been in, and everything I hear from those producer's mouths, I'm like no, absolutely no way, no one was thinking, I'm sure this is okay.'

Following the realise of Netflix's Top Model documentary series, the reputation of the has shifted dramatically from camp, fabulous fun to something far more troubling.

The series has been at the heart of a number of controversies over the years, from its dangerous runway challenges, to problematic photoshoots and disastrous makeovers.

In the series, Giselle, who was a contestant on the first series, opens up on being the victim of 'shocking' insults from the judges behind-the-scenes, and series two star Ebony Haith reveals 'racist' comments about her skin.

Elsewhere, Shandi, who also appeared on series two, addresses the controversy over her being filmed sleeping with an Italian man, despite having a boyfriend, in one shocking episode filmed in Europe.

The model speaks openly about 'blacking out' before the act, with 'nobody doing anything to stop it' and instead 'filming it' to be aired on the series.

While other former contestants also open up on their thoughts about a ethnicity-swapping photo shoot that saw white models made over in 'blackface' make-up.

A number of stars also complain of being fat shamed, and harassed by male models, including being 'grabbed and touched' without consent on set.

Similar criticism has been aimed at Noughties hit The Biggest Loser after a docuseries last year, with critics arguing that the show prioritised landing high weight loss numbers over than contestants' health and well-being. 

In 2016 and 2017, The New York Times ran several articles reporting on how difficult it was for The Biggest Loser contestants to maintain their weigh loss after returning to their regular lives.

On his podcast, Richard also revealed that he devised the concept behind the iconic reality show Survivor.

The show was first broadcast in Sweden with the name Expedition Robinson in 1997, and has become a huge hit when it hit the US in 2000. 

He said: 'Reality TV really came about because of the enormous success of Survivor and Big Brother. 

'I remember as I may have mentioned it before, it was my idea, and just the idea of putting people on a desert island then voting people off one by one, I had no involvement in it after that.'