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Big Brother is back on our screens(Image: ITV)
As the UK settles in front of their TVs to watch the latest series of Big Brother, we’re taken back to its inception 25 years ago when no one could foresee what was to come – not even one of the show’s first contestants – Nick Bateman.
In 2000, Bateman played a pivotal role in popularising this fresh reality TV concept as he rapidly became a figure people couldn’t stop chattering about. Known as ‘Nasty Nick’, he was observed manipulating his fellow housemates and swaying their nominations until the entire house confronted him.
Despite being the only contestant never to receive a single nomination for eviction, things swiftly took a turn. His underhanded behaviour led to the show’s producers deciding to eject him from the house entirely, after 34 days in the competition.
Fast forward to today, the 57-year old’s life bears little resemblance to that of the London broker we were introduced to in 2000. After gaining notoriety for being ‘nasty’ across the UK, Nick has altered his name and relocated to the other side of the globe.
Residing in Australia, Nick Bateman has since reverted back to his real name of Jack and leads a relatively tranquil life, reports the Mirror.
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Craig calling out ‘Nasty’ Nick was one of the most iconic moments of any Big Brother series(Image: Channel 4)
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Whilst he might harbour some lingering doubts about his television career from years gone by, he spoke candidly to Heart Bingo about the choices that steered him towards a lifestyle vastly different from his Nasty Nick persona.
When questioned about whether he holds any regrets regarding his stint on the programme, Nick revealed to Heart Bingo: “I’d do it all exactly the same because it brought me here to Australia, so I wouldn’t change that for the world.
“I think everything happens for a reason. I’m a great believer in pre-destination and in making decisions and then being responsible for that. So, yeah, I wouldn’t change it.”
Discussing the relocation, he explained: “I first came here when I was younger and fell in love with the country, so I think it would have always happened.
“It’s one of those countries that’s so progressive, and you can start your life again at any age and reinvent yourself. People are just happy and smiling. There’s fresh air and better food and no animosity from other people.
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Nick looks very different in his new life(Image: ITV)
“I’m happier here than I would be anywhere else. I won’t go back to England.”
Regarding employment, the former reality television personality now juggles various roles, revealing that he operates across marketing, sales, and promotions for different companies.
Following his departure from the programme, Nick discovered romance in 2007 when he wed fashion magazine journalist Lynnette Peck, and in 2011 launched a venture alongside her.
Three years later, they established Lovely’s Vintage Emporium but following the couple’s separation, Nick distanced himself from the enterprise that has subsequently gained recognition in women’s fashion. He had a fair few criticisms for the current state of the show, contrasting it with the original ‘social experiment’ he was part of.
He said: “It’s nearing the point where either the channel has to accept something isn’t working or they have to go back to the original producers.”
Nick suggested perhaps they should cast the show without revealing its nature to applicants, to deter those merely seeking fame. “People are using the show as a vehicle for their social media careers,” he elaborated.
“It has lost its innocence and its fun. It has lost its identity. They need to go back to basics with normal people, a stripped-back house, and the original tasks.”
