A former contestant has blown the whistle on ITV’s The 1% Club, claiming that not all elements of the show are as they appear. 49 year old Heidi Phillips spilled the beans about behind-the-scenes practices on the Lee Mack-hosted quiz show. She participated in the series recorded last October and now reveals what it’s really like to be a competitor.
Since its debut in 2022, The 1% Club has seen a plethora of hopefuls compete for the top prize of £100,000 by tackling ‘IQ-style’ queries. Starting with a full house of 100 competitors, the show narrows down to a few sharp individuals who either correctly answer each question or take advantage of their pass. These finalists represent the 1% skilled enough to possibly dominate the questions and walk away wealthier. Heidi was enticed to apply after spotting an advert on Facebook and then testing her wits with an online mock quiz, reports Birmingham Live.
Yet, she alleges some disingenuous aspects were present during shooting, especially regarding Lee Mack’s humourous interludes. She divulged to Fruity Slots: “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! ,” reported The Mirror. Heidi also revealed that contestants had to adhere to a stringent rule on the show, which, if violated, would result in them having to immediately return any prize money won.
The contestant, who exited the programme at the 35% question, explained: “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.” Heidi added: “That’s not happened yet – but it was a stern warning!”. Despite the severe warning from producers, Heidi described host, Lee, as very charming and “naturally funny.” She said: “He’s honestly really funny. Very naturally funny. He also has banter with the warm-up comedian and creates a nice atmosphere.”
The 49 year old also expressed her eagerness to return to the show and praised the programme’s staff for “going back over the 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”.
Heidi, who also mentioned that contestants were instructed to dress appropriately for the show, avoiding “nothing low cut”, shared: “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.”
For those who’ve made it to the audition stage and are wondering how to impress, Heidi advised: “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.”
She quipped about her own experience: “I made silly jokes that if I won the prize, I’d spend it on opening a trifle sandwich shop.”
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