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The Diets That Time Forgot, Channel Four
11:28am Wednesday 19th March 2008
By John Anson »
TV is forever searching for a new format, something that will capture the viewers' imagination.
Last night on Channel Four, Sir Roy Strong, former director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, hosted the first in a series of The Diets That Time Forgot - which appears to be a cross between a reality show and a history lesson.
It probably seemed like a good idea at the planning stage but on screen I'm far from convinced. The idea of taking nine fatties and subjecting them to some of the more obscure notions of the 19th century under the overly-watchful eye of Sir Roy, principal of the Institute of Physical Culture, was just silly. We watched them being forced into corsets and having to waddle around a country pile while undertaking a series of strange diets. It was rather like Fat Camp meets Pride and Prejudice.
Woe betide anyone who strayed from their given path, Sir Roy was there to do his best Atilla the Hun impression in a monocle.
Among the more unusual methods of weight loss being prescribed was a theory that if you chewed every morsal of food 32 times before swallowing, the weight would simply fall away.
I think a programme on diets of yore would be interesting.
A study of overweight people losing weight somehow always attracts an audience.
But why bother pushing the two together?
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nikki, cardiff says...
6:01pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Im Nikki a 1920's lady from the show, and I find your write up a little bit off the mark, yes it was a reality show, but it was nine true "normal" people who took part, who was not there not kill eachother, slag eachother off but too genuinely loss wieght and gain confidence, I however have lost a great deal of weight and gained the most amazing confindence, and know most of the others have too, dont you think its a good thing and a refreshing change that a group of strangers from all walks of life, actually get on!!! I opened up soo much on the show, yet it was hard going on times but i got through!! we did not go on to act or leave and have perfume on the shelf by christmas!!! Its real people trying to say that you can make a change!!! Miss Taylor
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Sally-Anne Ashdown, Nr. Cardiff says...
9:17pm Tue 1 Apr 08
I think you have done a fantastic job going on the show and showing to others how fantastic it is to work hard and loose weight.
You showed great strength and determination and I hope that others who have watched you and the others in the show get inspired to do the same.
There will always be someone who will slate the programme - nevermind, you did what you went on there to do which was to loose weight and you should be very proud of yourself - I couldn't have done it!!!!
Congratulations Nikki.....lots of love, Sal xxx