Yahoo News 9 reality show format changes that the fans hated
Reality shows have always had to change it up to keep things fresh but now more than ever, the fans get to immediately respond to even the slightest change.
As is often the case, it's when fans are angry that they feel most compelled to share their views, and there have been notable changes to long-running shows that have especially irritated viewers.
We've rounded up some of the most notable changes that the fans hated.
1. Celebrity Big Brother – What's the time?
Not only did Celebrity Big Brother annoy some fans with voice-over king Marcus Bentley missing from the launch of the Year of the Woman series, but when he did return, everyone noticed a change in his narration. Instead of him reading out the time like he's always done, viewers had to just READ it on screen instead. And his time announcements haven't returned either.
2. I'm a Celebrity – Where are the stars?
The most recent series of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! tried to change up the format a bit by replacing stars on Bushtucker Trials with meal tickets. Fans weren't having it and were a bit confused by it all, so it's lucky that the stars were back after only two Bushtucker Trials. Clearly the change wasn't the ticket.
3. The X Factor – What's the point of the judges?
The X Factor must have known before when they altered the voting system that its loyal fans do *not* like change. Undeterred, the most recent series saw a whole host of alterations and while more acts leaving each weekend was a success, fans weren't happy with the whole Prize Fight sing-off and couldn't understand why the judges were needed if it was all based on public votes. Better luck next time, Simon.
4. Strictly Come Dancing – Who was the runner-up?
A large part of Strictly Come Dancing's success has been to not tinker all that much with the format since it came back in 2004. However, fans weren't impressed that – for the first time – the 2017 final didn't announce who came second, third or fourth, leading them to take to Twitter (where else?) to demand to know the official rankings, even though the show has never released voting figures anyway.
5. The Apprentice – HOW many winners?
Talking of finals, Lord Sugar infuriated The Apprentice fans in the last series after he changed the whole premise of the show by deciding to invest in both finalists Sarah Lynn and James White. It left fans angry, confused and feeling like they'd wasted 12 weeks of their lives by watching the series. We have a feeling it'll be one winner from now on.
6. MasterChef – Where's the celebrity judge?
Following the exit of original host Loyd Grossman, MasterChef was revamped as Gary Rhodes took over, with the celebrity judge axed and hopefuls asked to cook two courses in 90 minutes, instead of a three-course meal in two hours. Grossman criticised it and it didn't prove popular with fans, leading to it only lasting one series. No one seems to have much issue with its completely changed format nowadays.
7. The Voice UK – Why won't you turn?
Last year's series of The Voice UK introduced a brutal new format change where if the judges don't turn for an act, they don't see the act at all and the hopeful had to walk off without knowing why they didn't like them. The change wasn't universally liked by fans who thought it was too mean and not supportive of those who performed on the show. Unfortunately for them, the format change was kept for the new series.
8. First Dates Hotel – What is this, Love Island?
For its second series, First Dates Hotel changed location and moved away from the 'First Dates in a sunnier country' format of the first run. Instead, we got to see a lot more of the love hopefuls outside of the dates, even setting up a love triangle and with its first episode ending on a cliffhanger. It's left fans annoyed that the show has turned a bit Love Island and kind of like a soap as well. And don't get them started on the all-British line-up.
9. Dancing on Ice – Where's the rink?
Among the changes that ITV made to Dancing on Ice for its big comeback this year was the introduction of two rinks – a training rink and a studio rink. This hasn't gone down well with some viewers who have been questioning the size of the rink that the dancers perform on with their celebrity partners. Better get used to it though, as it's not going to change anytime soon.
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