'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'

THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin

- Louise Minchin

"My obsession with reality TV started with the first series of Big Brother back in 2000. As a journalist, I was fascinated by how the housemates behaved in that intense, often claustrophobic situation.

For me, the biggest draw of reality TV shows is watching human relationships. Naturally inquisitive, I like knowing about people and finding out their stories. It's a bit like watching a David Attenborough documentary! One of my favourites for this is Channel 4's Gogglebox. If somebody told you they'd made a show about people watching telly, it sounds strange and a bit dull - and yet it's just genius. I think you can learn a lot about humanity by watching other people.

A lot of what I watch is influenced by my young adult daughters, Mia and Scarlett. If they're watching Made in Chelsea, Below Deck or Love Island, I often get sucked in. It also starts conversations - I'll chat to the girls about their opinions on the show and what they might do in that situation.