All That Glitters

The ins and outs of reality casting

“We’re looking for people who are going to surprise us... humour is a huge thing on First Dates... especially the teenagers’ [show]. Teenagers are so funny, even when they don’t mean to be,” said Rosie Smith, a casting producer at Twenty Twenty Television who has worked on Chan­nel 4 series Teen First Dates.

“Relatability” is also important, as are “layers”, she added. “You want some­ one’s story to unfold on screen.... Finally, [you want] someone who’s keen on your programme.”

All That Glitters to return for a second series with host Katherine Ryan

The first series pitted eight jewellers against each other for a six-part competition over six weeks.

Contestants both designed and created jewellery to brief in a specially built workshop in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

Each episode presented them with two challenges: The Best Seller and The Bespoke, making pieces for the mass market and custom pieces for clients.

The final saw 24-year-old diamond mounter Hugo Johnson take home the series one crown.