Whether it’s the disgusting challenges on I’m a Celebrity, surprising acts on talent shows or some Apprentice candidates being a little too sure of themselves, it is watercooler conversation fodder like no other.
This year’s Britain’s Got Talent, which has now started its annual residency on our television screens, is no different.
But this area has had its fair share of stars of the small screen.
Here’s a look back at a few people who have gone on to fame and fortune via television, with shows that range from the big-hitters to those – such as Splash!, Life on Marbs and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? – which were slightly shorter lived.
1. From ITV Studios Love Island on ITV2 Pictured: Demi Jones from Portsmouth
Demi Jones from Portsmouth, who appeared on Love Island in January 2020 Photo: Raquel Fernandes
2. Same Difference
Brother and sister Sean and Sarah Smith, from Widley, made it to the X Factor grand final in December 2007. Sean is still a singer - his seven-track EP Stay Human came out on February 23 - and Sarah runs a dance school in Portsmouth Photo: ITV
3. Ricky Martin
Ricky, who is pictured with Alan Sugar, won the BBC television programme The Apprentice in 2012. He is from Stubbington and used to work for Matchtech Photo: Stefan Rousseau
4. Bessie Cursons
Bessie, then 12, made it to the final of the first series of Britain's Got Talent in the summer of 2007. She later appeared in the film Nativity! and now runs her own theatre and dance school in Portsmouth Photo: ITV