After competing in Netflix’s reality series Squid Games: The Challenge, former Big Brother contestant and newly ordained reverend Glyn Wise has opened up about his experiences on the show, shedding light on the intense conditions contestants faced. The show features 456 players competing for a staggering £3.6 million prize, and Wise’s revelations reveal the physical and psychological toll it took on participants.
Reality Show Pressure and Challenges
Glyn Wise, known for his time on Big Brother 7, explained that the pressure on contestants was immense. “They didn’t show this on the series, but a lot of people walked out because they couldn’t cope with the pressure,” he stated. Contestants were subjected to strict rules, including sleeping in tracksuits and limited personal items, which contributed to a high-stress environment.
The format of the show involved long filming days and a series of demanding challenges. Wise recounted, “Every game was in a different location to the dorm, so we had to be taken on buses. It looks like it’s just one day on the show, but by the time we’d filmed the second challenge, we had all been there for a week!” This extended filming schedule drained the contestants emotionally and physically, with many struggling to cope with the waiting times and communal living conditions.
As part of their preparation, contestants underwent a detox period, avoiding sugar and salt for three days prior to filming. This rigorous approach aimed to prepare them for the bland diets they would face, which added to the emotional volatility observed on the show. Wise noted, “This is why you see so many people crying in there; you’ve been stripped of all your energy, and it’s high intensity.”
Unexpected Outcomes and Personal Growth
Wise highlighted that the psychological impact of the show extended beyond the filming period. “If I’m honest with you, it took me a lot longer to get over Squid Games than it did with Big Brother,” he remarked. Contestants had time to reflect on their lives during the show, leading to significant life changes for some. “Some contestants even came out and filed for a divorce!” he added, indicating the profound effects the experience had on their mental state.
Interestingly, Wise pointed out a financial aspect that many viewers might not be aware of. Unlike his previous stint on Big Brother, where he earned £30 a day, participants in Squid Games received no payment, apart from travel reimbursements. Many contestants had quit their jobs to participate, only to find themselves eliminated early in the competition.
Wise’s journey since his time on Big Brother has seen him transition from a lifeguard to a reverend, a path he described as unexpected. He reflected on his ordination, stating, “I never thought this was going to happen in 2006!” Now, he incorporates lessons from his reality show experiences into his sermons, discussing themes of money and value drawn from the show. “There’s a lot of emphasis on money in the show, and if you look in the Bible, there are over 2,300 quotes about what our relationship with money should be,” Wise explained.
Ultimately, Wise believes the experience on Squid Games: The Challenge has shaped his perspective on life. He encourages others to live fully in the present, emphasizing, “If you’re not happy, do something about it.” His reflections serve as a reminder of the complex and often unseen realities behind the glitzy facade of reality television.
For a taste of the challenges faced by contestants, fans can visit Squid Game: The Experience, held at Immerse LDN in London, where immersive activities replicate the show’s iconic games.
