Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
user1477282676 · 12/01/2017 16:01

Can you tell us the way they "sold" it to you OP? That will allow me to work out whether it's the kind of show you want to be associated with.

I work in media.

CommunionHelp · 12/01/2017 16:01

I agree with the comments that you'll be edited to fit whatever the producers want. Don't believe that the researchers are your mates, they're not. Only say what you want to be shown. Keep your wits about you, don't give them any footage you wouldn't want shown.

I"ve got loads of family and friends who work in TV and I know their tricks!

RubyWinterstorm · 12/01/2017 16:02

Yes, be careful. It may be sold to you as something it is not.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 12/01/2017 16:03

I've done it twice for series 1 and 2 of Home From Home (home exchange documentary) and thoroughly enjoyed it - it was a lot of fun being with the film crew over several days and seeing how it was all done

It's true that editors can put the slant they want on things, but only up to a point; IME the key is to do nothing you're not comfortable with and to watch out for any agenda being pushed

Can I ask if you'd be paid for it? Personally I wasn't, which helped with an "ownership" what happened; if money had been involved I imagine there might have been more pressure to go with whatever they wanted ...

user1477282676 · 12/01/2017 16:03

Apoll's experience is just what I'm talking about.

Weddings are a notorously juicy subject...they'll sell it to you as "We're looking for brides who are interested in luxury wedding experiences"

And it will turn out to be "Britain's Most Spoiled Brides" or "Bridezilla's on the Run"

What channel is it for?

Daisypopslop · 12/01/2017 16:04

We took part in one of the house hunting type programs (going to be as vague as possible and changed my name).
It was a lot of fun to film. But despite being aired on a weekday morning so many people I know saw it. I was sooo embarrassed. I honestly asummed as everyone worked nobody would ever know. Turned out we had friends on leave slobbing at home watching day time tv.Blush. Anouther friend saw it in a dentist waiting room. We got a flurry of excited texts. It was fine we didn't come over badly at all but I was embarrassed I am naturally shy so least likely person ever to appear on tv. Luckily for us, but tragically the host died shortly after we did it so no repeats will be shown of that program. I can pretend I never did it.
But it was fun and interesting, we had a great time filming. I was also surprised how I came across I actually speak very well so was a bit of a confidence boost.
I would consider it again so can't have been so bad.

Earlgreywithmilk · 12/01/2017 16:04

Don't do it! That would be my worst nightmare (being on TV) - you have no control over what they show. Look at all the people who go on reality shows and then complain about being 'edited wrong'. You can't take it back once it's out there and no matter how lovely a person you think you are you may well not like what you see when it's broadcast for the whole world to see.

Megatherium · 12/01/2017 16:04

Do your plans involve anything quirky? If so they are likely to portray you as nutty/unreasonable/dim or whatever. If they're reasonably mainstream, maybe not.

gchasbeeninmyhouse · 12/01/2017 16:05

Agree with above - we did a house show a couple of years ago and got loads of benefits from taking part although no financial reward but we did have to sign away editing rights so they can make it seem like you are saying certain things when you aren't. Just don't say anything that could be taken badly or misconstrued. It was a really interesting experience but is cringe when it is repeated on TV!

WyfOfBathe · 12/01/2017 16:07

Could it affect your job or professional reputation in any way? As a teacher, I'm always astounded at the number of teachers on shows like Come Dine With Me... why would you want your students and their parents to you like that??

Remember that it can be edited however they want, so they can portray you however they want as welll.

PlumsGalore · 12/01/2017 16:09

Unless they are paying you massively, no chance.

WyfOfBathe · 12/01/2017 16:11

Also, do the producers know that your DP doesn't want to be on it at all? I would be surprised if they'd be happy to have a wedding show without any appearance by the groom, even if it was just in the biographical bit ("Jane lives in Essex with her partner Bob" [show picture of Jane and Bob in Essex])

Serialweightwatcher · 12/01/2017 16:13

I was on Wheel of Fortune quite a few years ago now - won all the prizes but not the money - it was with John Leslie ... I had confidence then, but haven't any more and couldn't do it now Sad. It's an experience, but I was never one to worry what other people thought (don't now particularly) and you obviously do so you need to think about it properly

DrudgeJedd · 12/01/2017 16:16

If it's that Stags & Hen programme then I wouldn't OP, I imagine they want lots of juicy titallation.

Magzmarsh · 12/01/2017 16:17

I know someone who did Four in a Bed and someone who did Come Dine, they both quite enjoyed the experience but others they did it with had a lot of online trolling/abuse and knock on effect on their B&B business. Both said the process is exhausting and very contrived/false results are broadcast depending on who the producers have decided is the villain of the piece.

Paradoxically I knew a woman who did Location Location Location. She was an utter beeatch and came across on TV as Mother Theresa so you never can tell Grin.

problembottom · 12/01/2017 16:20

Go for it OP! A friend of DP's did Come Dine With Me when it came to our suburb. He's a high-flying businessman type and was most put out to come last. He'll still rant about it if you mention it to him years on. Grin

Potnoodlewilld0 · 12/01/2017 16:27

Go for it. Your a long time dead! Nothing ventured nothing gained and all that ! Wine

Original poster
Talcott2007 · 12/01/2017 16:27

Appol088 thats absolutely outrageous! Oh god i hadnt even considered that they would do something so differnt that what was pitched to you! I'm plus sized myself so how I look before they even start potentially editing things does worry me...

Well it was "sold" that it would be very positive - wedding related stuff is always kind of 'fluffy' I guess.

It's NOT 'Say Yes to the Dress' but I would group them in a similar vein IYKWIM? Its just supposed to be a really good/fun experience that gives me access to things that I wouldn't easily be able to organise myself. I really don't want to give to much away because it's quite specific.

I'm now worried I'm being really naive about all this!

OP posts:
ALemonyPea · 12/01/2017 16:33

Is it Dont Tell The Bride?

If you're not too bothered about you're wedding going 100% how you want it, then go,for it.

Mamatallica · 12/01/2017 16:40

Is it the one about plus-size brides looking for the perfect dress? I saw an advert for people to take part in that today. Surely they wouldn't show the program before your wedding though or it would ruin the surprise?
Personally, I wouldn't do it but that's because I'm appalling on camera, I was interviewed for something once and the result was so cringy I can't bare to look at it. If you have the confidence though, best of luck to you!

Original poster
Talcott2007 · 12/01/2017 16:43

Wyfofbathe I have told the producers that DP doesn't want to even have a photo used etc - which tbh I thought would stop it going any further because all those kind of shows have that bio bit as you described...but apparently that's not a problem for them! I'm really not very interesting either - no tragic backstory and not planning anything quirky or weird for the actual wedding so I really can't work out what 'part' they have me pegged for if (that is their intention as has been suggested)

OP posts:
HiMummyG · 12/01/2017 16:44

I agree with Talcott2007. Don't make a rushed decision, rather an informed one. It could be the best or worst thing you've ever done. Find out what it involves and take it from there. I have worked in television and many of the comments above are right. A fellow mum appeared on the Apprentice and it almost ruined her ! Relationship break up, children had to change schools, negative newspaper write ups etc. On the other hand, others have benefited from the exposure...found fame and made loads of money. Why not do something you've never done in 2017? You be the judge and Goodluck! By way my husband would respond just like yours!

Jaysis · 12/01/2017 16:44

The bride /wedding ones I would be especially wary of, mainly because someone has to fit their nasty/bitchy/loopers bride and I'd worry that they would decide it was me.

There would have to be a big incentive for me to do one of those. If it's a new one would it be something like Op Transformation for brides?

VanellopeVonSchweetz99 · 12/01/2017 16:49

OP, I have PMed you.

The more I hear about this the more I'm thinking no.
You -probably- won't have anything to say about editing and there is no such thing as a free lunch.