The Weakest Link

HOW I GOT MYSELF INTO TROUBLE

Christine Inglis

One day last year I was sick and languishing on the couch watching all the afternoon quizzes, 15 to 1, Countdown & The Weakest Link, at the end of which there was an appeal for contestants. Well, by 6pm on a sick day I was ready for some action.

The audition at Shepherds Bush involved a team of 9 prospective female contestants – apparently they don’t have enough women applicants. Firstly there was a written general knowledge test, such as - who is depicted on a £5 note – I remember that one because we were not being guarded for a minute and one of the ladies pulled out a fiver and told us it was George Stephenson. Then into another room all together where we were called upon to speak about ourselves on camera for a minute. That was a bit harrowing. Then we played a game and afterwards the guy pretending to be Anne laid into us to see how we would take being insulted – he wasn’t nearly as scary as Anne on the day though! Finally we were interviewed individually on camera.

The recording was at Pinewood studios near Slough. Contestants were told to bring three different outfits - no dresses, no black or white outfits – for wardrobe to choose from. We went into make up and then into the “green room” for a practice, especially to practice our introductions – name, age, live at, job – it’s amazing how difficult it is to get in the right order. A lot of instructions followed, like it’s not a good idea to be too rude to Anne - no swearing, people out there lipread – come up with funny reasons for voting people off etc etc etc. The Weakest Link team are absolutely lovely, helpful, encouraging and fun.

At last on to the set, which is much smaller than it looks and eventually Anne Robinson arrived – the production team seem to love her and call her “Annie”. She is tiny, a real professional and very charming off camera – on camera she is HORRIBLY rude and it’s very easy to put one’s foot in one’s mouth! Ouch! The recording takes 3 hrs and the team chooses the most embarrassing moments to screen. I made it to the final head to head, tied and lost on the sudden death – I won’t forget that parade in Lewes in a hurry.

Anyway, it’s GREAT fun – why don’t you all apply – let’s see loads-a-yarders on TV - go into the Weakest Link website and start on your road to trouble today!