I was on Wife Swap and the families are paid a FORTUNE – but it comes at a price
ONE man who formerly appeared on Wife Swap has spoken out on what it was actually like to be a part of the show.
A Reddit user, known only as Kaz3, has shared the details on the US series, calling it "pretty fake".
Kaz explained in his original post: "I wasn't really part of the family that they filmed, but I was the boyfriend of the girl's family.
"I was on camera twice, not for long but I was clearly there.
"The families were McCaslin (My girlfriend's) and the Deekens and the show aired in fall of 2008."
The Reddit user opened up his post to others, encouraging as many questions as possible, but started off with some statements of his own.
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He wrote that: "The show is pretty fake and set up," but explained that "the reactions are actually genuine."
When it comes to getting paid to be on the show, Kaz explained that his girlfriend's family were paid a hefty amount.
He said: "The families get $10,000 each."
Considering the show was filmed 14 years ago, the figure is very generous.
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Despite not appearing on the show much himself, Kaz had a great insight into the show and how it was filmed.
He explained that of the family's two sisters, he: "dated the older one, she was 17 at the time of the show," adding that: "My ex's family were very open and tried to have fun with everyone."
One user asked him: "Could you explain how exactly it is set up?"
To which Kaz replied: "Well the producers come up with events that the respective families or family members might do.
"For instance, my girlfriend's family was big into powerlifting so they held a tournament where the daughters and I 'competed'.
"The selected people then do them in a way that is interesting to watch."
He continued: "Normally the visiting mother has some interaction and is opposed to the event taking places, thereby creating the drama that everyone watches the show for."
Another question asked was: "How do the producers treat the families and their homes?"
Kaz responded: "They do their best to respect everyone, but you can tell they are there to do their job and get out.
"Usually the family was busy filming 12-14 hours a day, so not much free time was given.
"Although, all food for the film week was bought for the family by the crew and cooked by them if needed."
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He was also asked whether or not he was still with his girlfriend from 2008, to which he savagely responded: "Hell no.
"She had no clue what she wanted in life, especially not in a boyfriend."
