{"id":8395,"date":"2024-08-08T13:35:10","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T13:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mouthymoney.co.uk\/?p=8395"},"modified":"2025-03-03T08:31:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T08:31:46","slug":"win-fame-and-maybe-fortune-as-a-tv-quiz-show-contestant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mouthymoney.co.uk\/budgeting\/win-fame-and-maybe-fortune-as-a-tv-quiz-show-contestant\/","title":{"rendered":"Win fame and (maybe) fortune as a TV quiz show contestant!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"tv<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


Today I\u2019m sharing a sideline opportunity you might not have considered before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a huge demand for people to appear in TV quiz or game shows \u2013 from Pointless to Bargain Hunt, Tipping Point to The Chase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A steady stream of contestants is needed for these shows, which in many cases are broadcast daily. And the best news is that the shows are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and you don\u2019t need any special skill or talent to take part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some shows offer the chance of winning life-changing sums (Who Wants to be a Millionaire is the classic example). In other cases the rewards are more modest \u2013 but even the chance of winning two or three thousand pounds on a show such as The Chase is not to be sniffed at. And under UK law, cash and prizes won on TV shows are entirely tax-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even aside from the chance of pocketing some cash, being in a TV show can be an exciting and eye-opening experience. You will see what goes on behind the scenes at your favourite shows, and watch them with fresh appreciation in future. And, of course, you will have an experience to remember and tell friends about for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researching and applying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can find out what shows are currently recruiting by contacting the production companies directly. See who makes a show that you would like to appear on and look them up online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also websites that publish contestant calls. BeOnScreen<\/a>, which recently moved to Facebook, is a great place to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another useful resource is UKGameShows<\/a>. This website has a page listing current and new shows requiring contestants. You will also find links here to the pages for applying to popular quiz and game shows such as Bargain Hunt, Countdown, Pointless, Tenable, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twitter (now called X) can also be invaluable for keeping up with the latest contestant calls. One account I highly recommend following is Cast Me at @OfficialCastMe. Click on www.twitter.com\/OfficialCastMe<\/a> and you should be able to view their latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, my blogging colleague Di Coke (also known as SuperLucky Di) has a page on her blog dedicated to contestant calls for UK game shows<\/a>. This is updated regularly and well worth bookmarking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s much to be said for applying for new shows, as the competition for places isn\u2019t as intense as established shows. But there are plenty of the latter that need a steady supply of contestants too, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another tip is to go for daytime shows, which typically have smaller audiences than prime-time shows. This again should mean less competition from other would-be contestants. But do ensure the prizes are worth your while before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you apply for any show, I recommend finding out as much as you can about it. If a particular physical or problem-solving skill is required, try to practise this as much as possible. And if it requires specialist knowledge, bury your head in some relevant books, and then get a friend (or partner) to test your knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to practise your public-speaking skills, especially if this is something that doesn\u2019t come naturally to you. Get a friend to assume the role of the show\u2019s host and ask you some likely questions. This will help prepare you for the show itself, and may also assist you with the auditioning process (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Auditioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To be accepted as a contestant, you will usually need to go through some sort of audition. These are run by specialist companies who recruit contestants for the shows. They will assess such things as your personality and appearance, your general knowledge, and how well you communicate. They may also check your ability to cope in stressful circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n