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Faking It Returns After 19 Years with Heart-Warming Reboot

Channel 5's revival of the BAFTA-winning series sees Surrey estate agent Rex convincingly transform into a northern market trader, sparking both praise and skepticism.

Surrey estate agent Rex becomes a meat trader (Photo: Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited/DSP)
Rex Adams convincingly transformed into market trader Rob
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Overview

  • The reboot of the factual-entertainment series premiered on May 20, 2025, nearly two decades after its original Channel 4 run from 2000 to 2006.
  • Contestant Rex, a luxury estate agent from Surrey, trained for four weeks to pass as a Bolton market trader, guided by mentors Tony, a butcher, and Thomas Skinner, a former Apprentice contestant.
  • Rex successfully convinced two out of three market inspectors of his authenticity, highlighting the show's feel-good focus on personal growth and transformation.
  • Critics have praised the reboot's uncynical and heart-warming tone, contrasting it with more exploitative reality-TV formats.
  • Some viewers have questioned the legitimacy of the outcome on social media, with accusations that the judges may have intentionally overlooked Rex's inexperience.