What it’s really like to appear as a contestant on The 1% Club

The 1% Club has become one of the UK’s adored game shows on the telly at the moment – but what is it really like to appear as a contestant?
Since it premiered back in 2022, the ITV quiz show, fronted by Lee Mack, has become a hit with viewers. So much so, that a celeb version is on the cards.
The concept sees 100 contestants start out. However, if they want to make it to the end, they must answer correctly a question only 1% of the country could get right. If they do, they could win a top prize of £100k.
So, with The 1% Club back for another episode today (April 12), we’re taking a look at what it’s really like to be a contestant.

Lee hosts the beloved ITV game show (Credit: ITV)

The 1% Club secrets revealed
Speaking on behalf of FruitySlots.com, Heidi Phillips shared some behind-the-scenes secrets.
During her stint on the ITV game show, the 49 year old ended up using her pass at the 35% question before being eliminated.
And while some might think ITV would fork the bill for the contestant’s travel and hotel expenses, according to Heidi she had to pay for it herself out of her own pocket.
“I booked a hotel the night before as ITV didn’t cover the expenses for hotels or travel. But I wanted to treat myself,” she added.
Talking about the day of filming, Heidi continued: “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.”
Heidi also shared that before funnyman Lee Mack arrives to film the show, the contestants are greeted by a warm-up comedian in the studio.
“They also had a warm-up comedian for us who was really funny,” she shared.