JUNE 2002. Lucie, Jane, Tim, Daniel, Rosy and John dream of escape. An ad for a new TV show offers a way out: ‘Contestants wanted. One year, £100,000.’ Beyond their wildest dreams, they are chosen. They quit their jobs, end relationships, give up their homes and prepare for adventure. But within hours of arriving in London their dreams begin to unravel.

Reeling from the news that they’re homeless and must make their own prize money, the contestants try to make a go of it. Cameraman Tim films the rollercoaster ride as they discover the truth behind Nik Russian’s enigmatic façade. Who is he? Can he still put them on TV? And 20 years later, where has he gone?

In the Summer of 2002, thirty people’s dream of Reality TV fame became a nightmare. They found themselves broke, hungry and humiliated. How did it happen? And why? For 20 years, their questions remained unanswered. Now, a private detective has tracked down the mysterious, charismatic man behind it all. It’s time for Nikita Russian to tell his own story.