Former contestant of The 1% Club has opened up about her time on the BBC game show, following her appearance back in January this year. Here at Fruity Slots we like to break some showbiz and entertainment news as we know how much some of our community love UK online slots as much as a bit of gossip!
ITV’s game show The 1% Club has become a huge hit since it first hit our screens in 2022.
Hosted by comedian Lee Mack, the show features questions based on logic and common sense, as opposed to general knowledge.
100 contestants are slowly whittled down as they attempt to make it to the end and successfully answer a question that only 1% of the population can get right.
Speaking on behalf of FruitySlots.com, who are huge fans of the show, Heidi Phillips says she was excited to apply for the show last summer after seeing a post on Facebook, and says she sailed through the audition round due to the clever answers she gave production.
The 49-year old – who used her pass at the 35% question before being eliminated – also reveals the ‘camera tricky’ of the large studio, the strict wardrobe rules and the scenes the contestants have to fake for viewers at home…
How did you apply to be on the show?
I saw a post on Facebook and filled out the form and submitted a video audition telling them a little about myself. That was in June last year. They then asked me to compete in a mock 1% style quiz on Zoom soon after and emailed me to say I had made it through. The episode was then filmed in October.
What about your audition process made you stand out to producers?
It was funny. I tried to showcase my personality and I’ve worked as an entertainer before, so I’m good in front of people. I made silly jokes that if I won the jackpot prize, I’d spend it on opening a trifle sandwich shop. That would be my advice to anyone trying to get on the show. When they ask you how you’ll spend the winnings, don’t say something boring like paying off the mortgage. Give a really wild question.
Do you think your personality is what got you on the show?
It made me stand out. We did a mock quiz over Zoom and I got the first question wrong, so I didn’t exactly shine on that. But I told the producers funny stories and I think they warmed to me and my answers.
Did the producers coach you before going on the show?
Between finding out I was going on the show in July and filming in October, they phoned me about five times. They wanted to go back over funny anecdotes I’d shared with them and make sure I’d be happy to discuss it on the show if Lee (Mack) wanted to. They seemed really concerned about our welfare and us being happy to share things on TV. They really took the time to check in with us.
Tell us about the filming day…
I booked a hotel the night before as ITV didn’t cover the expenses for hotels or travel. But I wanted to treat myself. We had to go through full security and then were put in a holding room. The producers came round again to explain the format of the show and once again check we were happy to discuss the anecdotes we’d share during the audition process. They also had a warm-up comedian for us who was really funny.
Did the producers give you any strict rules?
Before the show, we were given rules about clothing. No logos or bright patterns. No fluorescent colours and nothing low cut. They didn’t want you to look dressed for a night out! When we got put in our seats in the studio, they gave us the tablets and told us it was important to keep our eyes firmly locked on the screens and not look at each other. There were actually invigilators who go back through the show episode to make sure every contestant plays the game fairly. You could have won the cash prize but if they go back through filming and see you glanced over at another contestant’s screen before answering, you’ll forfeit the prize. That’s not happened yet but it was a stern warning!
What is host Lee Mack like off camera?
He’s honestly really funny. Very naturally funny. He also has banter with the warm-up comedian and creates a nice atmosphere.
How long does filming take?
It takes about four to five hours. There are some scenes that need to be reshot, but nothing that will give a contestant a fair advantage with a question.
What surprised you about filming?
While contestants are answering questions on the tablet, Lee usually takes the time to make a joke to the audience at home. But all his comical parts are filmed later. When we’re answering the question, he remains silent. Then he has to be filmed asking the question again and we have to pretend to put our answers in. That was a bit weird!
Did anything surprise you about the studio?
It was much smaller than you’d think. If you watch the show, it has arena-style seating and it looks like there are rows upon rows of people. But there are only two rows. We weren’t exactly on top of each other but it was compact!
Did ITV warn you about social media trolls?
Yes, in the email that invites you on the show they warn you about it. They say to make your social media private to avoid anyone being able to reach out.
You were eliminated at the 35% question. Would you ever go back on?
I’d be happy to return. ITV keep your details and say they’ll invite you on if another show pops up.
We hope you enjoyed this exclusive interview with a past contestent from one of the most popular UK TV shows at the moment. Keep checking out our latest news for anything else breaking!
