NOUGHTIES reality fans have only just realised that a star from controversial reality series, Playing It Straight has since moved on to bigger and better things.
The familiar face has since gone on to forge a successful television presenting career but before that, she got her big break on the Channel 4 series back in 2005.
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Recognise this TV presenter on Channel 4’s Playing It Straight in 2005? Credit: Channel 4
The radio star had to get to know 10 men who were either gay or straight Credit: Channel 4
The dating show was controversial because it saw a group of both gay and straight men attempt to vye for the affection of one woman.
The gay men had to pretend to be heterosexual in a bid to go undetected and ultimately win a huge cash prize.
Zoe Hardman, now 43, appeared on the first UK series and ultimately chose suitor Ben Harris in the final episode.
However, because he had successfully concealed his sexuality from her, he won the entire £100,000 cash prize and she went home with nothing.
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Zoe Hardman got her big break on the controversial show before becoming an in-demand Tv and radio host Credit: Getty
Clips of the show have resurfaced on TikTok Credit: Channel 4
More than two decades after she got her big break on the show, clips from the series have been recirculating on TikTok and fans are only just realising that Zoe appeared on the problematic programme.
Taking to the comments section, one person wrote: “Omg, Zoe is a presenter now!”
Another TikTok user stated: “She’s on Heart Radio now, she’s on breakfast this week with Jamie Theakston.”
Somebody else penned: “Oh my goodness I was hooked!!! Zoe does presenting now.”
Yet another person expressed: “That poor girl.”
While a fifth added: “I remember this. She couldn’t believe he was gay at the end.”
Zoe was flown out to Mexico for the show as she got to know 10 eligible bachelors – but half of them were heterosexual and the other half were homosexual.
The show originally began in the US in 2004 before being cancelled after one season.
A UK version aired in 2005 and lasted for two series, with the first being presented by June Sarpong and the second being helmed by Jameela Jamil.
Critics and viewers found it problematic and hit out at the makers for trivialising gay identity.
Zoe went on to create a successful presenting career and hosts her own show on Heart Radio Credit: X
She presented Take Me Out: The Gossip with Mark Wright in 2011 Credit: Handout
Despite her controversial entry into the world of television, Zoe went on to forge a successful presenting career.
In 2011, she hosted after show Take Me Out: The Gossip with co-host Mark Wright.
She also presented This Morning‘s Hub as well as Morning Live on BBC One.
Nowadays, she hosts her own Jattvibeday morning show on Heart and frequently steps in to replace Amanda Holden on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston.
She also performs as a live house music DJ, including a locked-in Summer residency in Ibiza.
Not only that, but Zoe has forayed into the podcast world with the popular parenting podcast ‘Made By Mummas’.
She also finally found her man, marrying rugby player Paul Doran Jones in July 2017 after getting engaged six months prior.
Together they share two children – nine-year-old daughter Luna and eight-year-old son Kit.
