Two years ago, Nadia Feld was recognized everywhere she went. As one of the finalists of “Lighthouse Seven,” the reality show in which contestants spend eight weeks living together in a remote coastal lighthouse, she was watched by more than a million viewers every night. Today the 26-year-old lives in a small apartment in Lakeshore, works at a design studio and, in her words, “finally sleeps through the night.”
Sitting on the sofa in her living room, Feld spoke openly to News. about what happened after the final episode aired.
Famous overnight, alone the next day
“For two months everyone is watching you, producers are talking to you, there is a schedule for every minute,” she said. “Then the show ends, you go home, and suddenly nobody calls. But strangers still stop you in the supermarket.”
Feld gained thousands of followers within days of leaving the show, along with a wave of hostile messages about a conflict with another contestant that had been edited, she says, to make her look cruel. “I read every comment. That was my biggest mistake.”
People forget that the person on the screen is a version cut together by someone else. You end up defending a character you don’t fully recognize.
Nadia Feld, former contestant
She spent the following months mostly at home, turned down offers for paid social media posts and eventually started therapy. “It took me a year to stop checking my phone every five minutes.”
Calls for better aftercare
Feld’s experience is not unusual, say mental health professionals. Psychologist Irena Vos, who has worked with several former reality participants, believes production companies should offer psychological support for at least six months after a show ends.
“The sudden drop in attention can feel like withdrawal,” Vos said. “Some people cope well, others need help, and it is hard to predict who will be who.”
The production company behind “Lighthouse Seven” said it offers all contestants counseling during and after filming and has expanded the service for the upcoming season.
A quieter life
Feld does not regret taking part. She made friends she still sees, and the experience taught her a lot about herself. But she would advise future contestants to prepare for what comes after.
“Have a plan for the day after the finale. A job, a routine, people who knew you before,” she said. “The show is eight weeks. Your life is much longer.”
Comments 3
Eight weeks of fame, years of comments. Not worth it, in my opinion.
Every reality show should be required to provide aftercare. Good on her for speaking up.
I watched every episode and honestly felt bad about how she was portrayed. Glad she’s doing better.