How to get on a TV game show
I love TV game shows – if you want to take your comping a step further, there’s no better thrill! And despite what you might think, it’s not that difficult to get on a UK TV game show or quiz show – especially a brand new one. I’ve recorded 8 game shows and in this post I’ll share my tips on the application and recording process!
When I recorded Ejector Seat I found out they interviewed 3,000 applicants nationwide and 300 of them appeared on the show – that’s a 1-in-10 chance of getting on. Also, there’s no need to panic – it really isn’t as scary as it looks. Believe it or not, I used to be terrified of doing anything in public – it was when I got into comping I realised there were prizes out there that could only be won if you were brave enough to call up a radio DJ or appear on TV.
My first taste of the limelight was when I accompanied friends to a recording of The Price is Right and I was chosen from the audience to ‘come on down’. Actually, that’s a lie – they asked ‘Diane Coke’ to come on down. ‘I don’t know anyone of that name!’ I huffed (being called Diane is my pet hate!) but I was given a shove and soon found myself rushing down the stairs, waving my arms in a wild manner. As for correctly estimating the price of a rocking horse and small caravan, well, I was hopeless. I was one of the first names to be called, but lost every round so I didn’t get to play any of the cheesy games. Despite leaving empty-handed, the experience of being on TV gave me such a thrill I just knew I had to do it again…
Over the next few years I applied for several shows via websites and newspaper ads, and have recorded:
- Supermarket Sweep – where my good comping friend Kathy & I shared a £398 win (the pink Supermarket Sweep sweatshirt was more of a win to me than the cash)
- Are you smarter than a ten year old? – where I was delighted to win £7500 towards my wedding and honeymoon
- 1 vs 100 – in this National Lottery show, only one person from the hundred contestants gets a chance to play for the cash. The lively contestant next to me was the ‘chosen one’, and had made a superb effort with sequins from head to toe!
- Divided – the most traumatic of the lot, where like idiots we argued away most of our £100K+ prize fund and I took £2,720 home
- Dirty Rotten Cheater – hosted by Brian Conley, this was one of a flurry of ‘mean’ gameshows that surfaced in the 2000s after the success of GoldenBalls. I was the ‘dirty rotten cheater’ and didn’t cover my tracks well enough, and was the only one of the 5 contestants who went home empty handed!
- Word Play – I went on this because my childhood hero Jenny Powell was hosting it! It was recorded on the cheap in a tiny studio, but was fun.
- Tipping Point – I made a right mess of this one and won nothing (read all about it in What’s it like on Tipping Point?)
- Winning Combination – this was fun to record, but I was the first contestant to be eliminated as my buzzer skills simply weren’t up to scratch!
After completing about 50 application forms and attending 20 or so auditions, you do start to get a feel for what the production team are looking for!
Here are my top tips on getting on a TV game show:
1. Look for contestant calls
Here’s the best places to find details of UK game shows and quiz shows that are currently looking for contestants:
- Current contestant calls for UK game shows (my own list on SuperLucky)
- Be On Screen
- BBC shows
- ITV shows
- Star Now
- Lost in TV
- Applause Store
- ukgameshows.com.
- @officialcastme on Twitter
- Contestant Collective on Facebook
- Film and TV Casting Calls on Facebook
- Newspaper adverts – you’ll still see small contestant call ads in the Mirror, Metro, etc.
If you spot a good show advertised, send an email (you usually get an immediate automated response with an attached entry form) or complete an online application as soon as you can. The team will start calling people immediately (long before the stated application deadline) to arrange auditions.
A good tip is to apply for the new shows – they get far fewer applications as people aren’t actively looking to apply. Some of these shows might not even have a name yet!
You might see requests for people to film a one-off ‘pilot’ – this isn’t broadcast and may or may not involve a cash prize or payment. I’ve recorded pilots for Name that Tune with Frank Skinner, and Scrabble with Jeff Stelling – but neither show was commissioned for a series.
2. Find a partner to apply with
Lots of shows need pairs – Million Pound Drop, Pointless and many of the BBC Lottery shows. Ask your family and friends if any of them would be interested – or post a message on Facebook like I did! After responding to my Facebook request, my friend Sammy and I met for the first time at an audition for Timeline – although we were shortlisted, unfortunately the show didn’t actually go ahead. If possible, pair up with someone who has different strengths to you so you can cover all topics. Choose carefully – I have been to many auditions where you can immediately tell the ‘partner’ doesn’t want to be there, and they never make it past the first stage of the audition. I applied for Supermarket Sweep with my boss at work, Kathy, and we had such a fun day!
3. Spend time on your application form answers
Game show application forms often feature similar questions. I copy these into a document (I use Google Drive, but you could use Microsoft Word or a Notes app!) and then I can easily adapt the same answers for different applications. Get organised by preparing answers to these:
- What qualifications do you have?
- How competitive are you (give an example)?
- What’s an unusual fact about you, or party trick?
- What would you spend the prize money on?
- What are your pet hates?
- What are your best and worst quiz topics?
- What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?
- What are your hobbies?
- Which TV shows have you previously appeared on (with broadcast dates)
Make yourself sound as interesting as you can! The production team receive thousands of application forms, so you really need to make yours stand out by including some funny or memorable answers and stories.
If you’re a comper, don’t go into too much detail about the prizes you’ve won – most people won’t want to see successful compers winning yet more prizes on TV. In the past, production teams have been interested in my unusual wins like a butler for Glastonbury, or my Dad’s weight in chocolate – so focus on the quirky and fun prizes. Try not to send a passport style photo, but find one where you’re smiling naturally. For our successful Supermarket Sweep application, my friend Kathy and I actually had a photo taken in Tesco with a trolley!
If it’s a new show, Google the name to find out more about it – praising the format should get you Brownie points. If it’s already on air, watch a few episodes on YouTube.
4. Be enthusiastic during the phone interview
Be prepared to get a phone call almost as soon as you’ve sent off your application – sometimes the team will already be in the middle of auditions and will want to find out quickly if you’re suitable. When they call, be enthusiastic and chatty (you may want to leave the room if you’re somewhere public). Remember to tell them why you want to appear on the show (hopefully you’ve researched the format online).
They will usually ask you a few general knowledge questions. YOU DON’T NEED TO GET THESE RIGHT – in most cases, it’s better if you DON’T get them all right. Know-It-All brainboxes on quiz shows are boring, unless you’re an Egghead or on the Chase. That’s why Who Wants to Be A Millionaire eventually started auditioning and featuring celebrities when the standard line up of middle-aged male quiz addicts got dull. At the end of the phone call if you’ve impressed them they will invite you to audition – it can be very short notice!
5. Relax during the the audition
If you get an invite to audition (and well done on getting this far) it could well be on a Zoom call! Since the pandemic, real life auditions are at a minimum. If you do go along to an audition, it will usually be at a hotel in your nearest large city and last a couple of hours – you won’t get travel expenses. Some auditions have hundreds of people, and some just a handful.
My advice for the audition would be to make yourself look presentable, and if possible wear something to make you memorable (an extreme example of this is the drag queen I sat next to for 1 vs 100 – unsurprisingly s/he was chosen to be a contestant!). If it’s a Zoom audition, instruct your family not to disturb your call!
Think carefully in advance about what to say about yourself at the audition and practice a one minute introduction – you need to stand out, but you also need the viewers to be able to relate to you, so try and have a laugh!
For a real life audition, get there early and chat to fellow contestants – it will help you relax and you might even get tips from some of the pros who’ve been on lots of shows. Usually you will do a run through of the show, a written quiz and interviewed privately on camera. Again, it’s not a great idea to answer all the questions correctly even if you do know them – if it’s a multiple choice question, it’s important to talk through the elimination of incorrect answers before giving your answer (even if you know it straight away) – we see this on TV shows all the time, and it’s so viewers at home have a chance to answer from their sofa!
I’ve attended three Zoom auditions – two of them were in a group of about 15, and the Winning Combination audition was just a 1:1 call. I much preferred the 1:1 call.
6. Be flexible with your recording dates
After the audition, double check the filming dates with family and friends. If you get the call or email to say you’ve made the shortlist, offer as many possible filming dates as you can. For some shows they don’t know how long the filming will take, so you may need to keep 2 or 3 days free. You may be asked to be a ‘standby’ contestant and if you can get time off work this is well worth doing – most standbys will eventually get to be on the show and will have the advantage of knowing the show and set inside-out. If the studios are more than an hour or two away, you’ll usually be offered overnight accommodation at a hotel near the studio, and given travel and limited meal expenses.
7. Get your outfit ready!
A few days after shortlisting, lucky contestants will get a call or email with their recording date, and accommodation and travel details will follow soon afterwards (these expenses will be covered). You’ll be briefed on what to bring – in most cases, you’ll need 3 or 4 changes of outfit to ensure you don’t clash with the set or the other contestants. My ‘don’t’ list for Ejector Seat included spots, stripes, patterns, black, white, blue, skirts or heels…. If you don’t bring anything suitable you’ll have to wear something from the production wardrobe – when I recorded ‘Are You Smarter…’ my fellow contestant wasn’t impressed when he had to wear a bright pink polo shirt!
8. Swot up before recording the show
If you have the time, you may want to swot up – either on general knowledge or puzzle formats. Check YouTube or Google to see if you can find any similar quiz styles online – All the Trivia has some themed multiple choice quizzes. watch quiz shows on TV, play a game of Trivial Pursuit, go to pub quizzes – and download free quizzing apps to your smartphone. Ask your family to read out fast paced quiz questions too – my son loves doing this. Buy yourself some fun buzzers on Amazon (my affiliate link) to practice your ‘fastest finger first’ skills too!
9. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame
On the big day, try and relax. You’ll spend a lot of time in the Green Room with the other contestants – chat as much as possible so you’re comfortable with them and can have a laugh during the breaks in filming. Appearing on TV is (usually!) a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can tell stories about for years to come, so savour every moment. If you fluff an answer it’s embarrassing, but it makes you human. If you’re talking to the presenter, use their name. Tell short, funny stories and don’t waffle nervously – try and be natural, as if you’re amongst friends. It gets easier with every show – honestly!
If you decide to go onto social media while the show is being broadcast, take the comments with a pinch of salt. There’s a few people who use Twitter for the sole purpose to criticise people who are on TV and they will have plenty of insults to throw!
10. Be a graceful loser
Winning isn’t the be all and end all. Each gameshow gives you valuable television experience and a better chance of getting on another one. Keep hunting out and applying for more shows, and hopefully eventually you’ll be a winner.
Hopefully this should give you a few pointers for how to get on a TV game show or quiz show – good luck, and let me know how you get on!
Enjoyed this post? Read my post What it’s like on Tipping Point, and also my interviews with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire winners Jason Block & Opeyemi Adediran
Also see my post of UK Contestant Calls for details of current shows you can apply to!
Thank you Di, very comprehensive. I’ve never even considered going on a game show before. Your tips are fantastic. I think my nerves may get the better of me though. Well done!
Hi.
I’ve recently sent in an application form for the epic gameshow (The price is right/Take your pick) and i’m awaiting a call for the casting process and I need some advice on how to handle the call (As I was a little bit nervous in recording the audition video as it’s my first time applying for a gameshow (I tried to apply for the wall last year but mum didn’t want to do it even though she knows who Danny Dyer is)) and I need to know if I can wear any casual clothing for the public audition in Manchester (My neatest major city as i’m currently residing in Darwen) and if they will provide travel to the studios in Salford.
Thanks.
Hi had the phone call the other daynit was great amd the woman was really nice, i had to do a video audition for 3 minutes after that and send that to the lady who rang me. Waiting to hear back hopefully soon
Hello Di Don’t know if you still answer questions but was hoping you can help. I auditioned for tipping point last year , was amazed and so excited when I got a call and then auditioned. Went to audition but must have been nervous as I waffled a load of rubbish and didn’t say much about myself, it was as if someone else took control of my speech!!! So as expected I never heard from them again. I applied again this year but no phone call. My question is this, do you think I am wasting my time applying because I will be flagged up as failing in the audition and never be asked back again? Thank you Pat
Hi Pat, I have got audition for Tipping Point next week, I would love to chat to you about how it was and how in went. You can Face-Book me if you would like. (Paul Wolfendale) my profile picture is a military photo. Kind Regards Paul,
Hi Paul PS… couldnt find you on facebook
Hi Pat , thank you for trying, Could you tell me what your profile looks like and I will see if I can send you a friends request.
Hi Paul have tried to get in touch but no luck hope it went well hope you can let me know how you got on
Hi Pat, IF you try my e-mail again it should work, paulwolfendale57@gmail.com. I will tell you all about my audition, and the tips you gave me.
Kind Regards Paul
Hi Paul i have sent you an email can you let me know if you have received it or if not comment here and will try something else
I just finished spending nine hours confined to and crammed into a contestant holding building for the game show “America Says.” After an initial audition, background checks, and all sorts of nonsense over several months, 16 teams are called to the studio for taping day, but only 12 will actually get to play on camera. My team was not chosen. What a waste of time, money and energy! We left with $75 for our trouble. I came away realizing how poorly these game shows treat both contestants and lower level employees. Never again.
I forgot to mention that my team beat another team in two practice rounds, but that other team made the show even though we didn’t. The other team was “sassy,” which I think meant more to the producers than the ability to play the game. If you want to waste tremendous amounts of time and more than likely walk away disappointed, then yes, try out for a game show.
Hi Paul amazing I have got one next week too. I couldnt believe it, mind you I will probably fluff it again trying to learn how not to be nervous.
Hope yours goes well please do let me know how you get on.
E.mail me at paulwolfendale57@gmail.com
Hi, a casting director for a popular revival game show reached out to me to audition. I did the phone interview and got a Skype audition with the producer which I thought went very well. They said they’d let me know in about 3 weeks. It’s now been a month with no call. Is it ok to follow up with the casting director who reached out? Is that overstepping? The anticipation is killing me!
I think that’s fine if it’s now a month – if you need an excuse to get in touch you could always tell them you’re looking to book a holiday soon and didn’t want to book it if there’s a risk you could miss the filming!
Were you on the episode of Dirty Rotten Cheater I was? I went out second but wasnt cheating. Mike ended up winning.
I should have looked at your picture. You must have been on a different show.
You got any applications in at the moment?
Not at the moment! I would struggle to do lot of the filming dates that they have due to chldcare – and also my husband now does a lot of work for the BBC so I can’t apply for BBC shows any more! How about you Kenny?
Hello Diane, I have applied for a gameshow and they called me back asking for a video application. I would just like to know how soon before the filming date do they let you know that you have been chosen to appear on the quiz show. Thanks
It really depends in the show Alex – I’ve had just a week’s notice before now, but usually it will be a few weeks. Good luck!
Thank you Dianne, I am due to appear on !mpossible in 3 weeks and I just want to ask what your best tips are to preparing to appear on the show. I am only 18 and I feel my age will come to a disadvantage compared to the other contestants who are older and will be more experienced. I feel like I will be one of the first few out!
Even if you don’t win, consider it great experience! To be honest you never know how things will go until you get there – the questions might be perfectly suited to you. If you’re struggling, laugh about it – you could even say ‘I wasn’t even born then!’. Just try to enjoy it – wishing you lots of luck!
Thank you, I did really, really well. It’s due to air next month so please watch it. I surprised myself and I had a brilliant time filming.
Hello!
I got shortlisted a week or so ago to be on a new tv game show and was told I’d hear by the 27th July as to whether I’d be asked to a recording or not. It’s now the 24th, is it safe to assume I’m unlucky this time?
Do you remember the recording dates of the show? At the audition you usually have to check these and say you’re available. If they’re within the next ten days then i don’t think you’re lucky this time!
I need to submit a video for a game show call back. What things should I mention. Kind of left it last minute too as due tomorrow.
It depends on the show – is it general knowledge, or more of a fun gameshow? Tailor the video to the type of show and presenter – a gameshow needs more laughter and enthusiasm, a GK quiz doesn’t want you to be chatting toooo much! Record in good light and practice a few times so there’s no ummms and errrrs! Good luck.
Hi Di just did a Skype interview with a popular show in the US Do you have the general odds of the network choosing contestants? Or how many people make it to shows? Thanks for any info you can provide
For the last couple of auditions I’ve been to in the UK, they’ve told us how many people they’ve invited to audition and how many they need to appear the show – and it worked out that 1-2 people from every group of 10 people ended up getting onto the game show. But it really depends on the show – if there’s 15 contestants on each episode, and the series is 40 shows then your chance of getting on is much higher than a show where it’s just 2 people and 15 shows! Also – many more people apply for the well established shows, and far less for new shows – so look out for the new ones. You might feel nervous that you don’t know how the show works, but sometimes that can work in your favour!
Thank you I appreciate your help I will find out in a couple of weeks Will let you know
Hi I have recently completed two game show applications and really worked hard on both, I even added a video to one of the applications – my question is does it help to submit more than one application for the same show or is this a waste of time?
Do you mean applying for the same show but with a year or two between applications? It’s always worth another try, just add something different to the application form this time round- as you say, a video adds something extra!
I was thinking does it help to do more than one application for the same show during the same application period to increase chance of getting p[icked or is this a waste of time?
Hi Di,
Thanks for the tips, I have used them to apply for my first ever game show! We shall see if I am chosen for an audition….
I know some of them say that you have to mention if you are going to be on another show, or you have to give exclusivity to that show. But, does that stop you from applying to other shows? I mean surely you are going to sending as many applications for different shows as you can, in the hope you get one? Your not going to just complete one application and that’s it?
No! Apply to and audition for as many shows as you like: it’s only the TV Broadcast that they’re concerned about, so you won’t be seen on screen twice in a short space of time!
Hi, about four years ago I got to the final audition of one of the quiz shows (I won’t mention which in case the production team keep an eye on your blog….). Although most of my fellow “auditionees” (is there such a word?) thought I was certain to be picked I did not get through. I did not get any feedback from the production team and others I have talked to since thought it may have been because I have a good job and live in a relatively affluent area. The thing I did notice was that all others at the audition had a sob story for the question “what would you do if you won?”. I was first to speak and be questioned so my answer that “I would like to take my family to Malaysia to visit where my wife was brought up” (her dad was part of the British embassy there) was trumped by answers such as “my parent could never afford a car so I want to buy them one to say thank you for bringing me up so well” or “I would like to give back to the charity which helped me…”.
I also noticed that admitting I work in the City of London was not a fantastic thing given I was surrounded by a charity worker, fireman, care assistant amongst others.
But if the above did influence things why ask me to the audition in the first place? I won 5 of the 6 rounds of general knowledge quizzes we did during the audition.
I have just reapplied for the same show just for the hell of it but I guess the chances of getting on are nil (I assume that a simple data base check by the producers will kill any chance) but I also have asked for a chance on any other show.
Is it best to hide good things and make up some sob story to get the sympathy vote? Do the production teams on other shows give feedback? I have lost 7 stone in weight since my previous audition, perhaps the need to use a wide-angle camera lens cannot be held against me any longer…..
To be honest, I don’t think sob stories help in ANY form of competition – researchers, marketeers, social media managers and the like are looking for uplifting, positive stories to share in most cases! I always thought because my hobby is winning competitions, I would never be picked for a TV gameshow – but that’s not the case. They need to show a diversity of contestants too – people from all walks of life. As your bad experience was four years ago I would try to forget all about it and start afresh – and if all else fails, you do actually have a great story of your own to share – you’ve lost 7 stone in 4 years! That’s a great achievement – and I bet you could joke about it too! Good luck!
Hi, thanks for your feedback, much appreciated. Well…. I got a call and I’m invited to an audition next week! (your luck has rubbed off on me).
I won’t mention which show just in case it scuppers my chances but it is based on general knowledge. Do you have any tips for (a) handling nerves and (b) cramming in knowledge into a moderately sized brain? I have four days to learn the entire Encyclopedia Britannica which I might suggest is rather improbable. The problem I have is not that I lack some knowledge but that it seems to run and hide in the inaccessible recesses of my brain when I am under pressure! It is so easy when at home watching TV but when it really matters Mr Memory takes a holiday (can be embarrassing when people rely on my at a quiz night).
Thank you in advance for any further tips you can give.
Yes! Do you have a smartphone? Download a quiz app that has a timer, so you’re pressured to answer quickly. That way you can learn stuff and also get used to a timer!
Thanks for this Di! I have just decided to branch out and try to get on a game show – inspired by you telling us you were off to film one! I love watching them and playing along at home, so hopefully I will be lucky enough to get chosen!! (p.s I know what you mean about the Diane thing, I get called Laura ALL the time)
Hi there. Great article! Just wondering, do game show producers look at the social media accounts of those applying? I’m very anti-EU and obviously the BBC and other mainstream channels are funded by the EU so they probably wouldn’t approve of my views. Would they reject me purely because of my social media posts? Thanks
Interesting question! I was cast in a new gameshow recently, then the producer googled me, found this exact blog post and promptly dumped me from the show – so they must be having a look. The same as a prospective employer, perhaps! It gives them an alternative (more natural?) view of your personality. In my case – if I’m on TV with my unusual name, viewers might search for it and be annoyed to see a competition winner winning more cash. Makes sense really!
Oh sorry – I completely forgot to wish you good luck! Hope you get on!
How long does it usually take for them to contact you once you’ve sent your application in?
I’ve sometimes been called on the same day I emailed my application form – it depends on how soon your local auditions are! Check the closing date for applications and see how soon it is – if it’s still a couple of months of there may not be auditions so soon.
Hi I missed my audition for a show….I was on the way and got stuck in traffic just outside leeds…I rung the producers and they said email them and should get put on Nottingham auditions…..so far not heard anything back….has this happened to anyone else? Did you get to a audition? Please help…
Hi Di I’ve read your information with excitement and have the urge to apply to be on a game show now! In fact I can’t wait!
The one id love to be on is Tipping Point – I think Ben Sheppard is a brilliant compere and his enthusiasm is contagious…..
Only problem I have is that I can’t actually find an up to date application form – I can find 2012 or 2014 but nothing for now. Have you any pointers?
Thank you so much for any help and will let you know how I get on!
They finished filming series 6 in December according to their Twitter feed, so it will be a while before the applications open up again! Keep checking http://www.beonscreen.com/uk/tv-shows/game-quiz or sign up for BeOnScreen emails to find out!
Hi, i love game shows also, tried Deal 10 years ago no joy even though i was told i did well, at the moment i am shortlisted for the Chase, and in 2012 was delighted to play In It to win it, had 2 days in Manchester met the lovely Dale Winton and won a life changing 25k yippppeeee, on youtube 26th Jan 2013 because when you record it delay on the date it goes out.
Be relaxed at Audition it really is the best way, good luck Rob Milton Keynes
Wow, well done on IITWI Rob! I’ve auditioned several times but not got shortlisted. Hope you get on The Chase!
Hi
Thanks it was unreal, good luck to you also, in 2012 i was ITV Pride Britain Finalist it was all happening, this can be seen online, keep up the good tips helping people to get on shows.
Regards
Rob
Till now I have entered in like 50 or more giveaways. I enter through reddit website. Till now not once did I win a single thing, not even the useless of them. I complete all the tasks on time. Am I so wretched that it will never happen for me. Can you please suggest what would get me some chance at least
Hi Di, I just found your post and thought I’d comment as I got a call from The Chase today for an audition next week. So tomorrow morning I’ll be booking a day off work. Any other advice for a tv comp newbie?
Good luck Andy! Most of the tips I have are summarised in this post – just try to relax and enjoy yourself. Listen to the others doing their intros (if you can) and make sure yours is more interesting! And don’t answer questions too quickly! Let me know how you get on!
Hey, I was in the same boat. I’ve only ever gotten an audition for 1 gameshow and it was a chase. Word of warning, don’t use a sob story for what you’d use the money for. Everyone who did didnt get on, my thoughts were that it is so unlikely you’ll win on the chase that they don’t want to seem evil for not letting you win. I said I wanted to get engaged and I got through.
Also make sure you chat with other contestants, make jokes, and don’t feel nervous about joking with the people doing the audition. It’s exactly what they’re looking for, if you can make them laugh a couple of times then you’re much more likely to get through.
Lastly, they do quizzes whilst there. Don’t panic about getting them right. One guy who was really smart got through for us, then me (who did bad on the quiz but really well on the multiple choice), and then someone who scored mid-low on everything but the team minute round. If you do bad or good you could get on, they’d just put you with different other people to make the show fun to watch. It’s all about whether they think the audience will like you
Great advice, thanks Chester!
Great advice Di,
I got into TV game shows in the late 1980’s when I was a young mum at home, there was an early morning show called Key Notes and filmed in Bristol not far from my home in Bath. I thought it looked fun and I had some music knowledge as I had sung in my fathers dance band in the 70’s. Not knowing what to do as there was no internet then I wrote to the Bristol Studios and received an application form, got an audition and got on! I met a Bristol guy called Robin there and we became friends, we went on to do Strike it Lucky together.
Robin and I must have been on a list somewhere as out of the blue I received a call from a production company asking if we would take part in a new game show, we agreed and it turned out to be Super Market Sweep. I got the bug, won some lovely prizes and enjoyed a couple of days away each time (it felt like a holiday for me as I had 6 small children!) my next show was Big Break.
I then had a career so I could not take part in shows until 14 years later in 2006 I was picked with my children to do Millionaire Manor as part of the lottery show, I had entered us and had not told my grown up children!! but the day after applying I got a call from the production company, they liked the sound of my family and wanted to ring everyone, I had to quickly telephone my kids, who phew! were pleased to enter and we were selected after our audition with Endemol. So to everyone out there GO FOR IT, Di is right it is great fun, you stay in wonderful hotels, have your make up expertly done and remember without you they DON’T have a show. GOOD LUCK, Loraine from Bath.
Hi Di! About 15 years ago I did Wheel of Fortune and Wipeout and then didn’t apply for anything until last year, and now I have applied for DOND, The Chase, Benchmark, The Edge, I have been lucky enough to get an audition for every one!…. Got to silver stage of DOND, shortlisted for The Chase, Benchmark and The Edge, I was called today from the Edge and they wanted to check my availability for next Wednesday, discussed transport and everything and I was all but on but the lady needed to confirm it, sadly when she rang back she hadn’t been able to work it for me and I ‘clashed’ with another contestant re area we’re from or something. I’m surprised how gutted I felt to be honest, do you think I should give up or have you any advice?
Thanks, Debbie.
It sounds like you’ve done amazingly well Debbie – I would DEFINITELY continue to apply. I’m sure the production team behind the Edge will definitely want you for another show in future!
Thanks Di, that makes me feel better about yesterday-I wasn’t sure whether production teams would hang on to people’s details for future reference, I’m glad you think so! I shan’t give up just yet then!!
Thanks x
Hi i’ve just been asked for an audition next week, it’s more of a physical game show like total wipepout, they want a party trick and to wear something memorable, do you have any suggestions ? Katie
Ha ha! I like the sound of this. Party trick sounds like they want something physical – I’ve never been asked myself but I can make an origami crane in a minute, maybe something quirky like that would do? As for memorable – have you got a fancy dress hire place locally? Or a comedy t-shirt? Full football strip with socks? Good luck!
Those of you who are on the fence about applying for a show, GO FOR IT! So far, I’ve been on Memory Bank and won £700, I was on Breakaway in 2012 and came ONE QUESTION off winning £7k, and most recently I did Countdown last year but was beaten 104-37, ouch! I recently did an audition for a show called The Hive for BBC4 and got shortlisted, but since there were only 24 players (8 teams of 3) I didn’t make it to the actual show, BUT I impressed the guy holding the auditions, so if they get another series, he might ask me to be on it!
Thanks for commenting Keshihead – it sounds like you’ve been on some good shows!
Thanks for all this valuable advise Di!!Fingers crossed now X
hmmmm I am now going to apply!!!! I really hope I get picked………..
Thanks for the tips will give it a go
I’ve got an audition for Tipping point tomorrow and this has come very handy. Thanx Diana 😉
How did you get on James? I’ve got an audition on Tuesday
I’ve been looking for application form for tipping point – where did you find one?
Hi how do you get on to Tipping point? It doesn’t seem to be as advertised as other shows
All these tips have given me the push I needed to apply for a game show. Thanks Di.
Thought you were great Di.I’ve been on The Weakest Link,Perfect Recall,Tipping Point & The Chase.Was lucky enough to win £25,000 on The Chase,
I’ve never even considered going on a game show before (although I’m pretty good at quizzes!) But reading this post was very inspiring and useful. The tips are fantastic and it made me think ‘hmm maybe….’ 🙂 Thanks for the confidence boost to just go for it x
Oh you must give it a go – what have you got to lose? Let me know how you get on!
Great write up! My neighbour has been on most quiz shows and has just been on a pilot in London. Keeps offering to help me apply but it scares me! I want someone to ask me to go with them so I’m not the one responsible HA! He’s done really well with the wins also
Fab tips!I was also picked to “come on down” we went on a trip from work and i came home with a digital radio,£1000 and a motorbike.I just missed out on the showcase though by about £100!It was great fun and the start of my wins.
Excellent! Did you apply for anything else after that? The lady on the show I was on won the caravan – hilarious!
Brilliant tips Di – it’s no wonder you’re such a success and it’s only a question of time before you’re a superstar! X
Ha! Thanks Anya!
I think would of liked to have a go on Fifteen to One.The original one with William G Stewart.
Great show – although I’m not clever enough for it, too much pressure!