Former contestants of the popular ITV quiz show Tipping Point have shared their experiences, revealing what host Ben Shephard is really like off-camera and some surprising secrets about the iconic machine.
Luke Robins, who filmed his episode three years ago, praised Shephard on social media, calling him 'a gentleman'. Shephard responded warmly, saying he was glad Luke enjoyed the experience despite not winning. Another contestant, Ellie Millar, described Shephard as 'the nicest, nicest man' and said he was excellent at calming nervous contestants.
In 2019, Shephard himself revealed that the machine operates on a 'complicated system' controlled from the gallery, which is why it cannot be taken on the road. A technician sits behind the machine to ensure the hydraulics and hoppers work correctly.
However, the most surprising revelation came from contestant Tony Fillingham, who disclosed that the drop button contestants press is a decoy. An independent adjudicator, an older woman wearing white gloves, actually drops the coin manually. 'You don't control the timing. It's all down to her,' he said.
