Charlotte Macey, a 25-year-old contestant who appeared on ITV's The 1% Club last year, has spoken out about her experience on the popular game show hosted by Lee Mack. In a TikTok video, she revealed that the grueling filming schedule left her with what she described as the 'biggest headache known to man.'
Long Filming Hours Under Bright Lights
Macey warned future contestants that filming can last seven to eight hours, far longer than the final broadcast episodes suggest. 'You’re in that studio for about seven to eight hours, which sounds crazy to film considering how long episodes are,' she said. The extended duration is due to constant stopping and starting, which she explained is necessary for production. 'There is so much stopping and starting so that’s why,' she added.
The bright studio lights were a major issue for Macey. 'Those lights are bright. I ended up walking away with the biggest headache known to man. In like the seventh hour I was like OK I need to breathe,' she recalled. She advised others: 'If you suffer with headaches just be mindful that that’s how it is and it’s very bright in there and there is lots of light and no natural light so be aware of that.'
Elimination and Waiting On Set
Unlike traditional game shows, The 1% Club starts with 100 contestants, all of whom remain on set even after being eliminated. Macey was knocked out on the 80% question but was relieved not to be eliminated in the first round. 'I went out on the 80% question but I did say to myself that I didn’t want to go out on the first question so technically it’s fine,' she said.
She noted that eliminated contestants must stay for the entire filming duration. 'If you do go out on an earlier question you do obviously sit there for the rest of the show. There is a lot of stopping and starting and you get one toilet break so make sure you don’t drink too much before you start filming,' she advised.
Behind-the-Scenes Details and Fan Questions
Her TikTok video prompted a flood of questions from followers curious about behind-the-scenes secrets. One asked whether she managed to meet host Lee Mack for a photo. Macey revealed she did not, explaining: 'Unfortunately not. Completely understand as there's 100 people pre episode so it would be a hell of a lot for him to meet everyone individually.'
The 1% Club, which airs on ITV and is available on ITVX, continues to attract viewers with its unique format. Macey's candid account offers a glimpse into the physical demands of participating in the show.
