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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take part in a TV show?

67 replies

Talcott2007 · 12/01/2017 14:31

Ok...I haven't name changed but really can't give too many details because if I do take part in it this could easily out me...

I applied to take part in this TV show (really didn't think I'd get picked) but apparently I have and suddenly they are talking about filming dates! It's nothing scandalous or controversial but I'm not actually 100% sure I should do it. It's related to our wedding. My DP is very much like if you want to do it, do it but he's really clear that he's absolutely not going to be involved, will not be filmed etc. and can't actually understand why I'd want to do it...

I really didnt think would be picked, but now I am thinking of all the ways it could go wrong. I'm actually quite a private person and don't put much on social media.

Has anyone taken part in a TV show and regretted it or taken part and had a really great experince?

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 12/01/2017 14:32

Is it Come Dine With Me?

There's been an MNer on that before.

MorrisZapp · 12/01/2017 14:34

I'm going to be on telly in the spring. I look fucking ghastly and they've edited me down to look boring as hell despite me giving a very lively contribution.

It was so exciting being filmed but the outcome... meh.

ChasedByBees · 12/01/2017 14:35

I think if it's connected with your wedding and your DP wants no part in it, that could be problematic. Are you committed though?

Scarydinosaurs · 12/01/2017 14:36

Do you need your DP to be filmed?

Monkeyface26 · 12/01/2017 14:36

Is it 'Say Yes To The Dress'?
If so, or even if it is something similar, do you have any knowledge of or influence over when it is transmitted?
Do you care if people see your dress or other wedding details on tv? Would you care if TLC were still showing it on repeat in a couple of years time?

GeekyWombat · 12/01/2017 14:42

If it's the picking your dress why not do it? Will you get freebies or help or have fun? If it is something AT your wedding I'd think twice.

I was maid of honour at a wedding in which the bride auditioned for the come dine with me for weddings thing where brides go to each others' weddings and then rate them. She got to the point of signing on the dotted line but decided it was a bad idea because she was having to think about who would sit on the table with the brides and 'host' them and hated the idea of people slagging off her (quirky) wedding day. No one said anything to her because it was totally her and her DH's choice, but there was a lot of relief when she decided against!

If it helps, you don't have to tell people when it's on. I was on a daytime TV game show and made a real twat of myself. I just 'forgot' to tell my friends and family when it was on.

TheNaze73 · 12/01/2017 15:11

Is it Naked Attraction? Wink

MagicMarkers · 12/01/2017 15:14

I would say no, to be honest. They can edit the show how they like and people don't always come out well.

krustykittens · 12/01/2017 15:17

It would be a no from me too. Depending on the way it is edited, you might not like the way it comes across and it can be repeated FOREVER on Sky.

dollydaydream114 · 12/01/2017 15:17

Have you told them your DP refuses to be involved? Because that might actually be a deal-breaker for them.

Original poster
Talcott2007 · 12/01/2017 15:18

Not yet committed to anything formally, they just called me today and told me that I had made it through and wanted to know my filming availability.

They know that DP won't be involved at all but said that is no problem for them.

It's a pre-wedding thing and will air a few months before our wedding day (NO WAY would I do something on the day!)

Morris I would be ok with coming across boring - I just down want to totally embarrass myself!

Monkeyface has probably hit on my worry about endless repeats - once it's out there I can never get it back!

Arrrh I really keep flip flopping about what I want to do!

OP posts:
HumphreyCobblers · 12/01/2017 15:23

god I wouldn't.

TV companies can make you look however they want.

Caper86 · 12/01/2017 15:25

Is it say yes to the dress U.K.?!

HumphreyCobblers · 12/01/2017 15:26

I mean, what is the point of doing it? They might decide you are the 'stupid' one, and that is how you will look, whatever you actually say or do.

dArtagnansCrumpet · 12/01/2017 15:33

Will you get any freebies?

Gottagetmoving · 12/01/2017 15:35

Go with your gut feeling but I have regretted not doing quite a few things because at the time I was worrying about what could go wrong instead of just taking the plunge!
Only you can weigh up the pros and cons for yourself.

Original poster
Talcott2007 · 12/01/2017 15:37

Humphrey I dont actually want to be on TV - I'm really not a fame hunter or anything. I guess the point is that there is an aspect of my wedding planning has been challenging so far and the show will provide potential access to have a great solution there isn't a financial incentive to take part or anything like that

OP posts:
MrsDustyBusty · 12/01/2017 15:38

Could it damage you personally or professionally if you came out of it badly?

NancyDonahue · 12/01/2017 15:38

Is it just focusing on you or are you in a crowd, so to speak?

VanellopeVonSchweetz99 · 12/01/2017 15:43

What's in it for you?
I've done TV interviews twice to plug myself/my 'brand'. I felt I had some control, I was mega career driven at the time and fairly used to public speaking. It was pretty exhausting and time consuming but the end result was worth it.

Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse · 12/01/2017 15:43

Friends of mine who run a business took part in a show - think on the basis of all publicity is good publicity lines (for their business). They actually came out of it pretty well (which is good because they're lovely) but they were under no illusions that they had no control. The production team knew they wanted certain 'roles' filled and made sure that with clever editing they got them. Most of the other participants were not happy with how they'd been made to look.

Original poster
Talcott2007 · 12/01/2017 15:45

Gotta I was excited about imagining it before it became a reality...now I'm starting to overthink it! I would be gutted to say no and then see the show with other people and they all have a great experience etc. I know I need to weigh up the pros and cons. The problem is this is a 'new' kind of show so I really don't know exactly what would happen!

OP posts:
ApollO88 · 12/01/2017 15:48

I took part in a show that was pitched to me about the growing number of plus size mums and how to be healthy in pregnancy. The final show put me in a "mis-behaving" mummies series along with mothers who smoked and drank through their pregnancies. All traits they could prevent. I however had the audacity to find myself pregnant whilst plus size and apparently deserved to be mocked, humiliated and demonised.

Gottagetmoving · 12/01/2017 15:51

Talcott2007

I am exactly the same in that sort of situation. Some people are really out going and never give it a second thought.. Like you, I would over think it all.
It is a lack of confidence I suppose. You can always back out if it doesnlt seem to be going the way you like...unless they get you to sign a contract?

VanellopeVonSchweetz99 · 12/01/2017 16:00

ApollO88 that's just so shitty of them. Sad Angry