Chasing fame: how reality TV can be addictive

A sheriff in the US state of Colorado has said the authorities are now convinced that the case of a six-year old boy whose parents reported that he was adrift in a helium balloon was a hoax.

Sheriff Alderden said the authorities were investigating whether anyone else may have been involved.

The couple, Richard Heene and his wife Mayumi had previously appeared on the reality TV show Wife Swap, leading to speculation that the balloon incident was another attempt to receive media attention.

So what is it like to live after reality TV? Do most reality TV contestants crave the limelight once they get a taste of it?

Two former contestants in the British version of the reality TV show, Big Brother, spoke to the BBC's Dan Damon about how their lives have been shaped by the experience.

Nick Bateman, also known as 'Nasty' Nick, appeared in the first series of Big Brother and went on to present his own TV show and write a book.

Nikki Grahame took part in the seventh series. She has also subsequently written a book and starred in her own TV show.

First broadcast 19 October 2009