So I applied and was asked to go to an audition at a building I think was Wandsworth Town Hall. Fifteen of us sat around in a circle and a researcher asked us questions. I got everything right and was told to expect a call. I was very excited. A week or so later I went to the TV studios in Wandsworth, which was only a short train ride away and was told I was a reserve.
After going into make up and sitting around for a while, the producers casually told me I was going to be one of the 15. I was buzzing. Backstage I felt like a combination of Freddie Mercury before Live Aid and David Brent before one of his motivational speeches. I was going to win this quiz hands down, get through to the grand final and take home that prize of a Greek urn, though to keep myself grounded I told myself I would keep sweets or monkey nuts in it.