Forgive me if something on these lines has been posted before (I'm new here, and a quick scan of the forum didn't show anything recent)

Back in about February or March Noel announced that for one time only the phone lines would be open for new contestant applications. I rang quite few times that evening ( as did Her Indoors) and got through and left my details.

Astonishingly, I got an application form (she didn't!) which I thought long and hard over, and finally completed and posted off to Endemol.

Two weeks ago tomorrow (at 6.30, not during the game!) I was invited to the audition session last Thursday, 31st May, in Manchester. The e-mail with the location details and the slightly scary contestant info form arrived within 3 minutes of the phone call.

150 of us gathered at the hotel (in the bar!!) before being shepherded downstairs to a huge room, where our original application forms were matched up with the new 12 page info form, and our photos taken. When - after 75 minutes - all 150 of us had been registered, we had a short DVD of very early show highlights, and a quick pep talk from one of the researchers. Apparently over 108,000 had applied, so the 150 that morning and the 150 in the afternoon session should count themselves lucky!

In groups of 5 or 6, we were slowly summonsed away from this huge room ( being entertained by some notable shows on the big screen) to a smaller room upstairs. Finally (nearly three hours after checking in) I was asked inside. A little mike was clipped to my shirt,and I was sat in front of a video camera.

One researcher chatted to me, very relaxed and friendly, while the other was making copious notes (wonder what she was writing?) .

Suddenly, after about 6 or 7 minutes chat, it was over, and I was out, wishing luck to the others waiting for their video session.

So, if you are lucky enough to get to an audition, be prepared for loads of sitting around, with maybe 15 minutes actual activity!

Good luck................and see you in Bristol!

Hello sancho,

I had an audition last week too, think it was ok but I was quite nervous. But it struck me today that I actually used the word CRAP in my audition! What was I thinking?!!

Really worried it will go against me!