Watch Vanity Lair

Vanity Lair was a British reality television series that premiered on Channel 4 in 2008. The show was hosted by George Lamb and aimed at exploring the lengths people go to in order to achieve their desired level of physical attractiveness. The show followed ten contestants, each with their own insecurities about their appearance, who were set a series of challenges aimed at improving their physical image. The aim of these challenges was to achieve the ideal look of their choosing, whether it be model-thin or muscular and athletic.

Throughout the series, the contestants were given access to a number of cosmetic and surgical procedures such as Botox injections, liposuction, breast implants and teeth-whitening treatments, among others. The show also provided the contestants with nutrition and fitness advice to help them achieve their desired results.

Each week, the contestants were judged on their progress by a panel of experts from the beauty and fashion industries. The judges included fashion designer Ben de Lisi, beauty editor of Vogue, a celebrity makeup artist and a renowned plastic surgeon.

The contestants' progress was also monitored by a friend or family member who was brought in as 'support systems' to offer advice and encouragement. However, these 'support systems' were not immune to criticism and were often pulled up by the judges if they did not give good advice or support.

Throughout the series, tensions were high as the contestants' insecurities were exposed and put under the spotlight. They were frequently thrown into situations that tested their levels of confidence and challenged their perceptions of beauty.

The show also explored the impact that physical appearance can have on an individual's personal and professional life. The contestants were given the opportunity to boost their careers by appearing in fashion shoots and attending casting calls, as well as exploring their dating lives.

Vanity Lair was a controversial show that divided opinion. While some viewers praised its insight into the world of cosmetic enhancement, others criticised the show for promoting unhealthy and unrealistic ideals of beauty.

Despite this, Vanity Lair proved to be popular with audiences, with an average viewing figure of around 1 million per episode. The show was also praised for its approach to dealing with sensitive issues surrounding body image and self-esteem in a responsible manner.

Overall, Vanity Lair was a thought-provoking show that offered an intriguing glimpse into the lengths people will go to achieve a particular look. Whilst some people were inspired by the contestants' journeys, others were uncomfortable with the heavy emphasis placed on appearance. Despite this, the show was an interesting window into a part of our society that many people feel uncomfortable about discussing publicly.