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It’s funny, I still don’t feel like I’ve ‘made it,’ even now. I come from a small town in Ireland where opportunities are limited. After appearing on Love Island, it was surreal to see all the support and followers flooding my social media. The biggest shock was when people started recognizing me on the street!

Stephen Lambert’s confidence likely stems from his successful track record since founding Studio Lambert in 2008. He’s responsible for several hit shows, including both versions of The Traitors, as well as early Netflix successes like The Circle and the massive hit Squid Game: The Challenge. Before Studio Lambert, he oversaw long-running shows Undercover Boss and Wife Swap, which were adapted for audiences worldwide. In the UK, Lambert has also produced popular series like Gogglebox, Race Around the World, and Faking It.

You know, after being in reality TV for around 20 years, it’s tough to pinpoint a single ‘I’ve made it’ moment! My memory isn’t what it used to be, being a mom and all. But if I had to choose, it was probably when I was chatting with Alan Cumming, and he actually knew who I was. That felt pretty surreal, and like, okay, maybe I’ve done something right in this crazy business!

You’ve built your career around reality dating shows. What do you find so appealing about this specific type of show?

I think it’s great because the participants genuinely have a lot riding on the outcome – it really impacts their lives.

Bravo’s Next Gen, a show designed to attract a younger audience, debuted last summer. Similar to The Real Housewives, it follows a group of attractive friends whose conflicts are often manufactured for entertainment. The show portrays a very lavish lifestyle of young people in New York City—one where they spend exorbitant amounts on rent and nightlife. Despite its artificiality, the premiere was Bravo’s most-watched episode, leading to a second season launching in June. I recently joined the cast for dinner at BondST, a high-end sushi restaurant where they used to hang out during their NYU days. Shortly after the food arrived, D’Spain dramatically exclaimed, “I’m going to kill myself!” after spilling eel sauce on her embellished boots, prompting Dash to gasp, “Not the Givenchys!”

I realized I’d become famous when I started getting recognized in public. I was at the airport, and people were calling out my name – ‘Nene, Nene!’ – and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, people actually know who I am. I must be somebody now!’