Some new interviews with some of the 1p members who were at the Banker's Birthday last month.
NICK BAIN
What did you think of the show before you applied?
It was very really early on, so I didn’t really know much about it.
What made you apply to be on the show?
Winning £250,000 without answering any questions.
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
The money.
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
£15,000
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
A blur! I couldn’t remember anything that happened until I saw my show.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
I swapped the box but I believe I was meant to win the 1p that day, yes.
How do you think The Banker treated you?
Fairly and honestly! I didn’t really have a great offer but that was down to my bad board.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
I laughed; I always knew if someone would win it, it would be me…I’m very unlucky when it comes to money.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I went to bed and stayed there for two days feeling sorry for myself.
Did you cash the cheque?
No I sent it back to be signed by Noel and framed it.
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
Being the first member was great. I got a little notoriety.
How did the show change your life?
It didn’t, I’m still the same person I was before just a little more famous. Although, it is still the greatest experience of my life, the money would have been nice; but it didn’t matter in the end.
TREVOR BRUCE
What did you think of the show before you applied?
I saw it as an opportunity to win some money without having to be “The Brain of Britain”.
What made you apply to be on the show?
It was a chance to win money and to get on TV.
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
50/50
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
£10,000
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
It was like being in a dream world. I found it difficult to remember all the details later.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
Yes
How do you think The Banker treated you?
Very harshly! With only five boxes left and one of them containing £250,000 he should have offered me more than £9,950.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
I was devastated
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I didn’t tell anyone how much I’d won except my wife and sons. Everyone had to wait for the show to air.
Did you cash the cheque?
No
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
It is better than winning any other small amount i.e. £10, £100
How did the show change your life?
For a few months it was a talking point. My golfing friends all bought shirts with ‘Deal or No Deal’ on them just for fun, twenty of us all dressed up identically in them.
SALLY KETTLE
What did you think of the show before you applied?
I was invited to audition before the show went on air. When I saw the French version I was completely overwhelmed by the opportunity. I have to admit I wasn’t sure I could cope with the stress!
What made you apply to be on the show?
The opportunity presented itself so I couldn’t turn it down…who would? It’s £250k!
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
It was definitely a bit of both. If you just go for the money you’re going for the wrong reason. If you go for the experience you’re lying to yourself!
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
Yes it was £30,000. It’s a huge amount but it equated to two years’ wages. I was writing a book at the time and wanted to survive whilst I followed my dream to be published.
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
Much better than standing behind the boxes, that was awful…waiting for it to be you. The Crazy Chair experience was a bit like a car crash though…I felt like I wasn’t there and can’t remember most of it.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
Nope. I don’t believe in fate. I’m glad it was though. I didn’t win the money but it does feel like the next best thing. I’m sure the money would be spent by now. ‘Winning the 1p’ story will go on forever.
How do you think The Banker treated you?
I was so surprised, he was remarkably lovely towards me, and I don’t know why! When he spoke to me his kind words made me cry.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
I was relieved, ecstatic, depressed, disappointed, pleased and sick all at the same time. I wished it wasn’t there but I’m so glad it wasn’t the 50p.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I cried! In fact I was quite depressed for sometime afterwards, especially when money became a problem. I felt disappointed in myself and I felt terrible that I couldn’t give anything to my family or support my fiancé.
Did you cash the cheque?
Hell no!
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
Actually I do feel very privileged; it takes a certain type of person to go ‘all the way’. Not necessarily a better person or even a nicer one, but everybody I’ve met who is in the club has been really genuinely lovely.
How did the show change your life?
It hasn’t really. Winning the money would have changed my life; I would have worried less, perhaps even followed more of my dreams. There are definitely no regrets except perhaps I should have worn my lucky knickers! Oh, and if I hadn’t come away with the 1p we wouldn’t be talking now… having someone ask my opinion really is very exciting and humbling, so I am grateful for that.
GIORGIO FELICINI
What did you think of the show before you applied?
Appealing, interesting and without questions also very entertaining.
What made you apply to be on the show?
I saw it as a challenge to make some money.
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
The experience was number one.
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
My target was £50,000.
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
Crazy.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
Most definitely.
How do you think The Banker treated you?
Very fairly.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
I was shocked.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I relaxed for a long time and never got bored of talking about the show.
Did you cash the cheque?
Not yet, I will when I need it!
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
It made me the 'Godfather' of the 1p club and I'm proud of it.
How did the show change your life?
I don't know yet. Everyday it is a talking point and I’m happy that so many people out of the blue know me.
PAUL JOHNSON (PJ)
What did you think of the show before you applied?
I have always enjoyed the show and watch it on a regular basis.
What made you apply to be on the show?
Friends suggested I would enjoy it and the chance of winning £250,000!
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
60% money 40% experience
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
I had no financial target
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
It was a fantastic experience. The crew and Noel were all great and made me feel so special.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
No, fate put £75,000 in my box; I was the plonker who swapped it!
How do you think The Banker treated you?
Up until the last offer very fair! But I though that having £75,000 and 1p in play and being offered a swap was a bit harsh.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
I was gutted!
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I was in a bit of a daze, so I told no one.
Did you cash the cheque?
Yes
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
I am proud to be the 10th member of the penny club; I played the game my way.
How did the show change your life?
It gave me more confidence. I became a bit of a local celebrity; people still call me ‘Deal’. 16 people from my show, plus 200 friends came to Bolton for a party. I have made some fantastic friends; I have been to two weddings, 40 -50 parties, plus had many other reunions. HOW GREAT!
KATIE WALSH
What did you think of the show before you applied?
I really enjoyed it! I thought it seemed really fun; I was completely addicted and liked the way that you didn’t need general knowledge to win any money!
What made you apply to be on the show?
I had been on a game show before where my lack of general knowledge made me lose out on £22,500! Also, I liked how friendly all the contestants seemed.
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
The money! I knew I would have a really good time and meet some wicked people but I was already mentally spending!
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
About £30,000! It seems greedy but (a) I had already started spending it. (b) I had loads of student debt (c) I genuinely had not considered the possibility of not winning a large amount.
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
Amazing! Surreal! It went so fast and I had so much fun. I thought I’d be really nervous and not say much but that soon passed!
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
Don’t get me started on fate! My cosmic order was for big bucks not 1p! Right until I revealed the £250,000 I was convinced it was in my box.
How do you think The Banker treated you?
He didn’t think I had the guts! He riled me so I would ‘No deal’ without really thinking! I think he would have offered more to more confident players!
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
Good! It was between 1p and £10 and I would much rather be in the 1p club.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I rang people and no one believed me! It wasn’t until the show was broadcast that they did. Mind you, even I was sitting there wondering if maybe I’d made it all up and I was willing myself to accept the £23,500!
Did you cash the cheque?
No
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
I keep holding out for the slightest hope that they might have a reunion show when it gets to 22 1p winners. It’s always a good conversation topic and its fun to be in one of the most exclusive clubs in Britain.
How did the show change your life?
I will always have amazing memories. We did the Christmas and New Year shows so I got to dress up. The crew and contestants were amazing. We meet up for regular reunions and keep in touch by email etc. I would love to say I’ve realised money is not important but I still have aspirations to win the lottery! However I don’t ever regret going on the show. I’d rather have gone on and won a penny than not gone on at all!
SHAUN MESSER
What did you think of the show before you applied?
I really enjoyed watching Deal or No Deal, which is why I applied. It was a chance to get on television, plus an opportunity to win money.
What made you apply to be on the show?
I like to be on TV, you could say that I like to be famous. I have always thought that I would have made a decent actor, had I taken up acting earlier.
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
The experience is something that only a limited amount of lucky people will have. The money would have been nice but it wasn’t to be.
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
Well, with £35,000 I would have paid for my daughter to attend acting school for a year and I would have bought a car and driving lessons for my son. That would have been my target.
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
It was very exciting. I loved it. All the staff were very helpful, as well as Noel himself. I was the centre of attention and I played the game on my own and I played it with passion.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
Well I don’t really believe in fate. Maybe it’s just that I’m not that lucky as a rule. But I have no regrets.
How do you think The Banker treated you?
Well I just thought he pushed me until the end. I had 1p and £35k left after eliminating three of his power five. £7,000 was all that he offered, which I thought was a disrespectful offer. I think a fairer offer would have been about £12,000. I might have dealt at that.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
Well I was obviously disappointed but I knew the odds. If you gamble, you have to be prepared for failure, which I was.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I played a game of golf, I just needed to get out in fresh air and try to come to terms with no longer being on the show. The end is so hard to take, not the penny.
Did you cash the cheque?
No! I’m hoping that if I get the chance I can get Noel to sign it and I’ll frame it with my photo.
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
If you win a blue the 1p is the one to win. Being the 13th member also could be considered the unluckiest member, but it feels good.
How did the show change your life?
Well I was well known before but now I’m really well known. I have signed some autographs and people are full of admiration for me. Now I have loads of new friends up and down the country. It’s great meeting up again, having chats and socialising with some lovely people. I have fame, if not fortune. It has been a wonderful event in my life.
MARGARET HALL
What did you think of the show before you applied?
I thought it was great that you were giving so many ordinary working class people a wonderful once in a lifetime experience.
What made you apply to be on the show?
To have lots of fun meeting people and I just wanted to be a part of it. I love theatre and have always wanted to be on the stage. Of course I wanted to meet Noel; I’ve watched him for many years.
Before you played, did you consider the money or the experience more important?
Hand on heart, it was the experience but I would love to have been able to treat my family who deserve a treat - but it was not to be.
Did you have a financial target in mind? If so, what was it?
No I had a feeling and even forecast that I would bring home the 1p.
What was it like sitting in the Crazy Chair?
I was very overwhelmed and it was just great to meet Noel. But I am nearly 70 years old and proved you are never too old to enjoy life.
Did you feel fate put the 1p in your box?
Yes
How do you think The Banker treated you?
At the end I thought my offer was not fair as I still had a box containing £250,000. In other shows I’ve watched, he’s given a better deal and I sometimes wonder why he did not offer more.
What was your first thought when your box was opened to reveal the 1p?
Never mind I’ve had a wonderful time and great experience. What you don’t have you never miss.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
I gave my husband a great big hug; he was very supportive. I also phoned my family and friends.
Did you cash the cheque?
No
What does joining the 1p club, mean to you?
It’s a wonderful talking point; I am in the Hall of Fame and still part of Deal or No Deal.
How did the show change your life?
Well apart from making wonderful friends, I have another wonderful memory and achievement.
Link -
http://dealornodeal.co.uk/show/1p-profiles/
FAQ
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:15 pm Author: Michael DeVere Post subject: Interviews with some of the 1p members
