Why Selling Sunset’s Nick Hardy calls himself ‘Tom Fraud’ off-screen Mon 25 April 2022 13:57 Updated Mon 27 March 2023 11:22 Celine Byford
Emily Beck
Published Apr 05, 2026
Nick Hardy is the British man who appears on Selling Sunset season 5 as Vanessa Villela’s boyfriend. She only joined the Netflix series in its fourth season, but her love life has already taken full speed ahead of her listings.
In her late sister’s memory, Vanessa decided to plunge into the world of real estate by joining the Oppenheim Group and being given her first listing there. She has since become part of the show’s cast member line-up.
Vanessa’s relationship with now-fiance Nick Hardy took a turn for the best when he gave her a promise ring to show his commitment to her. Their relationship aside though, fans are seriously confused about his real name.
BridTV9426Selling Sunset | Season 5 Official Trailer988959988959center22403Who is Nick Hardy?
Nick is Vanessa Villela’s fiance, who stars on Selling Sunset season five. The British-born resident continues to reside in the UK – but travels often to see her – and has worked as a photographer since 2011.
The 43-year-old Londoner captures fashion, sports, lingerie, and travel as part of his work. He currently works in the creative direction department at luxury underwear brand Lascivious, which he started in November 2019.
Nick and Vanessa first got into a relationship in July 2021, after their initial meeting in October 2020. He wrote:
I knew you were the one! Together we were unstoppable, nothing could stop us… I traveled over 1400 miles, during a pandemic, to be with you! What should of been 10 days turned into a two-month DREAM!
Why is it that I struggle to place an English accent in US shows? I had to wait for Chelsea and Nick to confirm they were from the UK before I could be sure. #SellingSunset
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) April 22, 2022
Why Vanessa’s fiance calls himself ‘Tom Fraud’
Nick has explained that his professional name ‘Tom Fraud’ is a “fictitious name representing art and freedom”. Although his biological name is actually Nicholas Hardy, he doesn’t use this when it comes to his career.
Several fans were left confused, thinking that the series may have gotten his name incorrect, but that’s not the case. He previously worked as a creative director at one of London’s leading photo agencies. His Influence bio reveals that:
Fraud stands for the idea of going against the tide, doing your own thing and doing it your way. TF is a pseudonym created by Nicholas Hardy […who has] years of experience working with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Tom Fraud also represents the dreamers and believers who follow their heart, instincts and desires, which includes the ‘outside the box’ thinkers who break the rules.
YOOOO NOT ME DEAD ASS REWINDING TO EPISODE 8; SEASON 5 to see what Vanessa’s fiancés name is and it’s DEAD ASS NICK on there SO WHY DO THEY KEEP SAYING THIS MANS NAME IS TOM ALL OVER SOCIALS??!!!??😨😨😨😨😨😨😨 #SellingSunset #SellingSunset5 I need answers!!
— RaineElizabeth☔️ B. (@damnbabyr) April 25, 2022
Nick’s photography career
Nick, who is professionally called Tom Fraud, has at least 16K followers on his photography Instagram page. He has captured models for JD Sports, the official NFL uniform collection and #IAMCC Join The Carnival.
Vanessa is a regular model on Nick’s portfolio, who can be seen posing in her bikini in recent pictures. This makes her one of several clients who have worked closely with the talented photographer for shoots.
He also offers art and apparel, and even done a collection called ‘Fraudster’. Customers can purchase denims, sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts, as well as art and framed prints, with Nick’s work on them!
View this post on Instagram
WATCH SELLING SUNSET SEASON 5 ON NETFLIX NOW
