Snog Marry Avoid? Obsessed

Have you discovered this TV show yet?

Called 'Snog Marry Avoid?', this BBC reality TV gem has been around for a few years, but if you're late to the party like I am, don't worry... this'll get you up to speed.

It's a makeover show with a difference... in that, it's a make-under show.

No words. No, really... no more words.

Just watch:

Even the boys go under the microscope (oh dear: hilare x 10):

To catch 'Snog Marry Avoid?' on Australian TV, tune in to Channel Eleven (131 on your Foxtel remote if you have one) on Fridays 8.30pm.

Mouth agape TV.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding - Oh. Em. Gee.

I saw this TV show some time ago on the Foxtel PR schedule and was postively beside myself - when will it be screening, I pleaded with the publicist.

The wait is almost over: 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding' [as it's known in the US; it's known as 'Big Fat Gypsy Wedding in the UK] starts screening on Foxtel on June 20, on LifeStyle You.

When I first saw the pics I thought, oh look, it's Katie Price [formerly 'Jordan'] on bridal fashion 'roids.

Nope. Better.

'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding' documents ancient traditions-slash-modern fashion (well, their interpretation of it anyway), where girls as young as 15 and their families compete to have the most outrageous weddings.

This fly-on-the-wall doco follows the public spectacle of the OTT affairs of four gypsy brides, as they prepare for their wedding day. Incredibly, many girls get married after their 16th birthday with the support of their family.

With the brides competing to have the most flamboyant dresses (which often weigh more than the bride herself), we are given rare access into this curious community, one where sex before marriage is taboo and divorce is unheard of. And yet, some of the outfits look far from conservative.

At first glance, the women in the doco series seem to be intent on emulating celeb weddings (then turning the dial to, oh, about 20. Thousand), but it's much more than that for them.

This is a community that lives alongside - yet detached - from mainstream society. It is one of contrasts: they live by centuries-old religious and cultural traditions, but at the same time embrace the garish celeb extremes of our times.

It is a must-watch. UK viewers agreed: the BAFTA-nominated hit had more viewers than the 2008 season of Big Brother.

Want to know more about this unusual world? Go here: http://www.lifestyle.com.au/style/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-gypsies-and-travellers.aspx

[UPDATED: Australian viewers can now enjoy the unusually addictive show, from the very first series, on Channel Nine from Wednesday October 3, 2012, from 8.30pm.]

Watch the series preview here: