If you’re an avid TV fan, then you may have noticed my face on the BBC tonight! And no, it wasn’t Crimewatch before you say it…
I was a contestant on Blankety Blank!
As always, I love to use my blog to document various life experiences and it’s no secret that I have a passion for media… especially when it comes to TV, celebs & pop culture. So when I was approached to audition for the show, I jumped at the opportunity.
And when I say “jumped”, I mean a mild roll. Because ya know… wheels.
This episode was actually recorded back in April 2024. So in order to keep the memories fresh in my mind, I actually wrote the majority of this post the following day after filming.
Prior to going on the show, we also had to sign strict confidentiality and social media contracts, hence why I am only now sharing the details with you.
Check out my little highlights video below to see some behind-the-scenes from my trip:
If you missed the episode and would like to watch it in full, you can also catch-up on BBC iPlayer by clicking the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002df3t/blankety-blank-series-4-episode-8
(Series 4, episode 8)
Friday 5th April 2024
Day 1 of my travels!
Blankety Blank is actually filmed in Maidstone, which is south-east of London. As this is quite an ol’ trek from Cornwall, we decided to travel up the day before. Luckily the BBC arranged everything and our hotel & fuel expenses were all fully covered.
As expected on a Friday, traffic was horrendous which reminded me exactly why I don’t leave the County that often!
My parents kindly agreed to drive me, whilst Ralphy was having a special sleepover at my sister’s house.
7+ hours later, we finally arrived at the Village Hotel Maidstone. After unloading the car with what felt like my entire bungalow, we eventually settled into our rooms. I’m sure my fellow disabled friends can appreciate that we can’t travel lightly, even if it is just for one night!
That evening we decided to use the facilities on-site and go for a little swim. There was also a sauna & steam room on the side which was an added bonus!
After swimming we had a nice meal at the Grill restaurant next door, before heading for bed.
Saturday 6th April 2024
Show day!
My call time at the studios was 11.30am, and upon arrival I was greeted by a member of the production team and taken through to the “green room” backstage.
This was where we would hangout before the show, meet the other contestants and familiarise ourselves with the rules / paperwork etc.
Everyone on the team was so nice! From casting crew to stage production, we were made to feel so welcome.
I genuinely loved hanging out with the other contestants too. Everyone was fully supportive of each other and ready to embrace the experience together. We still keep in contact to this day as well, through a WhatsApp group chat.
An experience like this definitely bonds you, so I’m grateful to have been paired with such a lovely bunch!
Prior to the show, we were also pampered in hair and makeup (LOL) and given some great catering. We also had discussions with the wardrobe department as to which clothes would work best with the studio lighting etc.
After this, we were then taken on a tour of the studio – and as a big TV nerd – I loved seeing all the behind-the-scenes set-up.
Showtime
During our tour of the studio, I was informed that I would be playing the game first, alongside fellow contestant Irene.
By this point I was relieved that the wardrobe department had given me some sweatpads because my nerves were starting to kick in!
In regards to accessibility, the crew were amazing and well equipped with ramps to help me onto the stage.
Due to various tech issues, we had a delayed start, but eventually the time came and we were instructed to give our cheesy entrance waves.
If you watched the episode, you will have seen how rubbish we all were haha. Despite doing live radio for a living, there is a different level of pressure when you have a full crew of lights, cameras & a studio audience in front of you.
The Celebrities
The six celebrities taking part in the show (alongside host Bradley Walsh) were:
- Angela Scanlon
TV Presenter & Strictly contestant - Rustie Lee
TV chef - Tom Allen
Comedian & TV host - Jon Richardson
Comedian – 8 Out of 10 Cats - Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Actor from Ghosts - Jenny Eclair
Comedian & actress
After the show I managed to have a brief interaction with Rustie Lee & Angela Scanlon. Both were really sweet and friendly, offering hugs & congratulations! Jenny Eclair was also really nice when we met her in the makeup room prior to the recording.
Final Thoughts
Blankety Blank is definitely going to be one of those core memories for me.
Whilst the episode you saw was only half an hour long, we were in fact there for seven hours… Yes, SEVEN. It was a long day, especially with the drive back to Cornwall straight after. But I absolutely loved the experience!
Despite the result, I’m super proud to have been part of this cast, and the iconic chequebook & pen still sits proudly on my mantlepiece.
I can now officially say I’m a Blanker!
