Back From Reality

We’re back with another special re-release of Back From Reality, celebrating the return of the podcast and the launch of The Edit — a brand-new play written and directed by Gabrielle Scawthorn, inspired by the interviews, themes and lived experiences explored across this series.

🎭 The Edit is now in previews at Belvoir St Theatre, Downstairs, and runs until 26 October 2025. Tickets are selling fast — we’d love to see you there.

🎟️ BOOK TICKETS: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting Gabrielle’s conversation with The Vixen — the fierce and fearless queen who took the world by storm on Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. This episode was originally released in 2020, not long after her season aired, and has remained one of the most listened-to and talked-about episodes of the podcast.

The Vixen opens up about the emotional toll of appearing on the show, the public backlash she faced, and the reality of being a Black queer performer navigating mainstream media. She also discusses the importance of reclaiming agency over your own story, and how the editing process can distort and define perception.

This conversation was a turning point in the Back From Reality journey — and one of the key inspirations for The Edit, which examines the human cost of media storytelling and the blurred line between truth and narrative.

🎙️ Back From Reality is a podcast about the human impact of reality television, hosted by actor and writer Gabrielle Scawthorn. Originally created with the support of Arts Council England, the podcast became the foundation for The Edit, now on stage at Belvoir.

📱 Follow Gabrielle on Instagram: @gjosca
🌐 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Back From Reality

We're back with a new season of Back From Reality! And to celebrate the upcoming premiere of The Edit — a new play written and directed by Gabrielle Scawthorn, inspired by this very podcast — we’re releasing a mix of previously unreleased interviews, your favourite episodes from season one, and new content from inside the production.

🎭 The Edit runs at Belvoir St Theatre, Downstairs, from 7–26 October 2025.
🎟️ BOOK TICKETS: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

In today’s re-released episode, we revisit one of our all-time favourite conversations: Gabrielle is joined by Love on the Spectrum creator Cian O’Clery and Chloe, one of the stars of Season 1.

When this episode first aired in 2020, the show had just premiered on ABC and Netflix — and quickly became a global phenomenon. Since then, Love on the Spectrum has gone from strength to strength. Now several seasons in, it has inspired an American adaptation and become a landmark series in the way it approaches care, consent and authenticity in reality television.

This interview offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the making of the show, how participants are supported, and why Love on the Spectrum stands out as an example of ethical, empathetic reality TV done right.

🎙️ Back From Reality is a podcast about the human impact of reality television, hosted by actor and writer Gabrielle Scawthorn. It was originally created as part of an Arts Council England-supported development of a new piece of theatre. That play became The Edit.

🖥️ Visit the podcast page: unlikelyproductions.co.uk/projects/theedit
📱 Follow Gabrielle on Instagram: @gjosca
🎧 Available on all major platforms: Back From Reality on Apple Podcasts

🎭 The Edit
📅 7–26 October 2025
📍 Belvoir Street Theatre, Downstairs
🎟️ BOOK NOW: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grant.

We're back with a new season of Back From Reality!
And to celebrate the upcoming premiere of The Edit — a new play written and directed by Gabrielle Scawthorn, inspired by this very podcast — we’re releasing a mix of previously unreleased interviews, your favourite episodes from season one, and new content from inside the production.

🎭 The Edit runs at Belvoir St Theatre, Downstairs, from 7–26 October 2025.
🎟️ BOOK TICKETS: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

In today’s episode, Gabrielle speaks with Cosima De Vito, one of the most unforgettable voices from the debut season of Australian Idol.

It’s hard to overstate just how big Australian Idol was in 2003. With millions tuning in each week, the show launched the careers of Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll — and of course, Cosima, whose powerhouse vocals and presence won her a devoted following. But her time on the show ended in heartbreak, as she was forced to withdraw from the Top 3 due to vocal nodules, just before the finale.

In this conversation, Cosima opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of that moment, how it shaped her career and personal life, and what it took to rebuild her voice and confidence. She also shares the story behind her moving single “Mama”, and what it means to write and release music on her own terms.

🎵 Listen to Mama on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/track/6blRhJ35mBledNGh2mlxFb

📲 Follow Cosima:
Instagram: @cosimadevito
Facebook: facebook.com/MissCosimaDeVito

🎙️ Back From Reality is a podcast about the human impact of reality television, hosted by actor and writer Gabrielle Scawthorn. It was originally created as part of an Arts Council England-supported project to develop a new piece of theatre about the reality TV industry. That play became The Edit.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts:
Back From Reality on Apple Podcasts

📱 Follow Gabrielle on Instagram:
@gjosca

🎭 The Edit
📅 7–26 October 2025
📍 Belvoir St Theatre, Downstairs
🎟️ BOOK NOW: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grant.

We're back with a new season of Back From Reality! And to celebrate the upcoming premiere of The Edit — a new play written and directed by Gabrielle Scawthorn, inspired by this very podcast — we’re releasing a mix of previously unreleased interviews, your favourite episodes from season one, and new content from inside the production.

🎭 The Edit runs at Belvoir St Theatre, Downstairs, from 7–26 October 2025.
🎟️ BOOK TICKETS: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

In today’s episode, Gabrielle speaks with Tony Walker, one of the central figures in the legendary 7Up documentary series.

The 7Up project began in 1964 as a groundbreaking experiment in British documentary filmmaking, following the lives of 14 children from various backgrounds every seven years. Tony, who was first filmed as a cheeky 7-year-old from the East End, has continued to appear in every instalment of the series — from 7 Up all the way to 63 Up.

In many ways, 7Up created the blueprint for long-form, observational storytelling and helped lay the foundation for what we now recognise as reality TV. Gabrielle and Tony chat about what it means to share your life with the world on screen.

📎 Find out more about Tony and his work at: tonywalkertheupseries.com

🎙️ Back From Reality is a podcast about the human impact of reality television, hosted by actor and writer Gabrielle Scawthorn. It was originally created as part of an Arts Council England-supported project to develop a new piece of theatre about the reality TV industry. That play became The Edit.

🖥️ Visit the podcast page: unlikelyproductions.co.uk/projects/theedit

📱 Follow Gabrielle on Instagram: @gjosca
🌐 Podcast available on all major platforms: Back From Reality on Apple Podcasts

🎭 The Edit
📅 7–26 October 2025
📍 Belvoir Street Theatre, Downstairs
🎟️ BOOK NOW: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grant.

Season 2 is officially here — and we’re kicking things off with a very special, long-awaited episode.

This chat with Janine Allis and Pia Miranda was recorded back in 2021 as part of a never-released second season of Back From Reality. At the time, both women had recently appeared on Australian Survivor: Champions vs Contenders, where they formed one of the most memorable alliances in the show’s history — and the experience was still incredibly fresh.

Now, fast-forward to 2025 — and Janine is hot off the beach, having just made it to the Final Three in the epic Survivor: Australia vs The World. So it felt like the perfect moment to finally release this episode.

Janine is the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Boost Juice, and Pia is one of Australia’s most beloved actors, best known for Looking for Alibrandi. Together, they reflect on the psychological intensity of the game, the unexpected bonds, and what happens when you mix business, fame, and survival strategy on national TV.

🎭 This podcast was originally created as part of a research project into the mental health impacts of reality television — and out of that project, a new play was born.

🎟 Gabrielle Scawthorn’s new play The Edit — inspired by this podcast — premieres at
Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney | 7–26 October 2025
BOOK NOW → belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit

📸 Follow Gabrielle: @gjosca on Instagram
🌐 Learn more about The Edit: unlikelyproductions.co.uk/projects/theedit

This podcast was made with the support of Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grants.

Got a question or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or drop Gabrielle a DM on Instagram.

We’re back, baby! After nearly four years away, Back From Reality returns with a brand-new season.

In this welcome-back episode, host Gabrielle Scawthorn shares why the podcast went quiet in 2021 (spoiler: life got very real), what prompted its return, and how the conversations from Season 1 have grown into her brand new play The Edit.

Developed from interviews recorded for Back From Reality, The Edit explores the psychological toll of life in front of the camera and the complexity of consent under pressure. The play premieres 7–26 October 2025 at Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney as part of their 25A season.

🎟 BOOK NOW: belvoir.com.au/productions/the-edit
🔗 Unlikely Productions info: unlikelyproductions.co.uk/projects/theedit
📸 Follow Gabrielle: @gjosca on Instagram

This podcast was made with the support of Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grants.

Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] or DM Gabrielle on Insta.

The tables are turned in this special season one finale as guest host Matthew Backer interviews Back From Reality's very own Gabrielle Scawthorn about her experience on Channel V's Fresh Meat!

WARNING: This episode contains references to eating disorders and self harm which may be triggering for some people. Listener discretion is advised. 

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grants.

BOOK NOW to see Gabrielle perform her one-woman show The Apologists in Sydney.
20th - 31st of January, 2021
The Old 505 Theatre, Newtown
Website: https://old505theatre.com/shows/the-apologists-1605228949.html
Trailer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Broadway World UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Up Close Culture
“Gabrielle Scawthorn is magnificent” – Lyn Gardner
“Amongst the best single-handed plays I have seen.” – West End North
“A vivid portrayal of emotional struggle in the face of public shame” – The Upcoming

Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] or message Gabrielle on Instagram at @gjosca.

UNLIKELY PRODUCTIONS WEBSITE

Gabrielle Scawthorn
Instagram
Twitter

Matthew Backer
Instagram
Twitter


Artwork by Wolfbang
Theme music by Robert Tripolino
Produced by Hugo Chiarella
Unlikely Productions

Liz Jelléy was a contestant on the 2020 season of Farmer Wants A Wife. Liz got in touch with Gab after listening to her interview with reality TV psychologist Mark Mathieson. Liz was under Mark's care during her time on Farmer Wants A Wife and felt that some of what was said in that interview was misrepresentative of her experience on the show. We invited Liz on to share her perspective.

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grants.

BOOK NOW to see Gabrielle perform her one-woman show The Apologists in Sydney.
20th - 31st of January, 2021
The Old 505 Theatre, Newtown
Website: https://old505theatre.com/shows/the-apologists-1605228949.html
Trailer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Broadway World UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Up Close Culture
“Gabrielle Scawthorn is magnificent” – Lyn Gardner
“Amongst the best single-handed plays I have seen.” – West End North
“A vivid portrayal of emotional struggle in the face of public shame” – The Upcoming

Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] or message Gabrielle on Instagram at @gjosca.

UNLIKELY PRODUCTIONS WEBSITE

Gabrielle Scawthorn
Instagram
Twitter

Liz Jelléy
Instagram
Website


Artwork by Wolfbang
Theme music by Robert Tripolino
Produced by Hugo Chiarella
Unlikely Productions
 

Gab chats with Teddy Briggs! Teddy was a contestant on season one of Love Island Australia, entering on day 21 before being dumped from the villa on day 36. In this interview Teddy opens up about his hard partying life post Love Island, and his journey to finding some balance in his life again after the show. 

This is also our final episode for 2021, while we take a few weeks off over Christmas. Gab will be back with the last few episodes of season one in the new year.

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grants.

BOOK NOW to see Gabrielle perform her one-woman show The Apologists in Sydney.
20th - 31st of January, 2021
The Old 505 Theatre, Newtown
Website: https://old505theatre.com/shows/the-apologists-1605228949.html
Trailer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Broadway World UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Up Close Culture
“Gabrielle Scawthorn is magnificent” – Lyn Gardner
“Amongst the best single-handed plays I have seen.” – West End North
“A vivid portrayal of emotional struggle in the face of public shame” – The Upcoming

Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] or message Gabrielle on Instagram at @gjosca.

UNLIKELY PRODUCTIONS WEBSITE

Gabrielle Scawthorn
Instagram
Twitter

Teddy Briggs
Instagram
Website


Artwork by Wolfbang
Theme music by Robert Tripolino
Produced by Hugo Chiarella
Unlikely Productions

Gabrielle chats with MasterChef Australia contestant, Reece Hignell. Reece first appeared in season 10 of MasterChef Australia in 2018 finishing in sixth place. Earlier this year, he returned to the MasterChef kitchen, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, eventually placing fifth in the all-star season of the toughest cooking show in the country. 

This podcast was made with the support of the Arts Council England National Lottery Projects Grants.

BOOK NOW to see Gabrielle perform her one-woman show The Apologists in Sydney.
20th - 31st of January, 2021
The Old 505 Theatre, Newtown
Website: https://old505theatre.com/shows/the-apologists-1605228949.html
Trailer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Broadway World UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Up Close Culture
“Gabrielle Scawthorn is magnificent” – Lyn Gardner
“Amongst the best single-handed plays I have seen.” – West End North
“A vivid portrayal of emotional struggle in the face of public shame” – The Upcoming

Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] or message Gabrielle on Instagram at @gjosca.

UNLIKELY PRODUCTIONS WEBSITE

Gabrielle Scawthorn
Instagram
Twitter

Reece Hignell
Instagram
Cakeboi
Website

Artwork by Wolfbang
Theme music by Robert Tripolino
Produced by Hugo Chiarella
Unlikely Productions