BBC quiz programmes

[Whickerman]

Are contestants on BBC quiz shows actors? There was a horrenduously thick guy on Perfection a couple of weeks back, couldn'r help at all but tried to get £1500 for his 'help', balding asian bloke with a thick moustache. He's now on an ad for cadburys spots vs stripes - so I'mwondering how many contestants are actors or plants?

[tiggerblue10]

A few years ago there was a guy on Embarrassing bodies who I thought seemed quite familiar, then I realised I'd seen him on other programmes like the Jamie Oliver one about obesity and healthy eating. And he was also on Big Brother's Big Mouth in the audience.

Looks like they recycle Extras!

[gingejbee]

Could be that he is an actor who happens to be a contestant. I doubt that any broadcasters would "rig" things as you've suggested given all the trouble they got themselves into recently.

[alexl]

It makes you wonder why they bother - surely enough people want to be audience members or on TV regardless of how embarrassing it is or what they have to do. I can understand how if there was a poor turnout, they may use crew members as extras for the audience.

[lankeela]

On Odd One In there was a couple on the bit about couples who were supposed to be married but the man has definitely been on several quiz programmes, they were the couple on the left as you looked at them and he has pointy ears.

[Calibax]

I think some 'actors' are so desperate to get on TV that they apply for as many shows as they can.

[sandyRoe]

He might have been 'resting' and desperate for a few quid.