A former contestant on ITV's 1% Club has lifted the lid on what viewers at home do not see, including limited toilet breaks and intense studio lighting that can cause severe headaches. Charlotte Macey, who appeared on the show last year, shared her experience on TikTok, warning future participants about the gruelling filming conditions.
One Toilet Break in Seven to Eight Hours
Charlotte revealed that despite the long filming hours, contestants are allowed only one toilet break. She said: "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."
The show, hosted by Lee Mack, does not use a traditional studio audience. Instead, 100 contestants begin each episode, with players eliminated throughout. Even after being knocked out, they must remain on set for the entire filming duration, which can last up to seven to eight hours.
Bright Lights Cause Headaches
Charlotte also described the discomfort caused by the studio lights. She explained: "One thing I will say to be aware of is that you're in that studio for about seven to eight hours, which sounds crazy to film (considering) how long episodes are." She added: "There is so much stopping and starting so that's why. One thing I will say is that 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 cautioned: "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."
Host Lee Mack's Off-Camera Behaviour
This is not the first time a former contestant has spoken about the show. Contestant Billie, who appeared in October 2023, shared insights into host Lee Mack's off-camera persona. Speaking to Express, Billie said: "My husband and I are big fans of Lee Mack. We think he's incredible. He's so quick-witted that I don't think there are many people on telly that can really keep up with him."
However, Billie noted that Mack had little opportunity for free-flow conversation with contestants. "That said, when he did come onto the set, he was obviously wired for sound and a director was talking to him and he didn't have much room for communication with anybody except for the director," Billie explained. "You could tell he was on it trying to just do his best, but constantly had somebody in his ear going to the next thing, onto the next thing."
Filming Logistics
The 1% Club is known for its unique format, where logic-based questions test the nation's intelligence. Contestants are eliminated if they answer incorrectly, and only those who get the final 1% question right can win the top prize. Filming takes place over several hours, with multiple breaks for technical adjustments.
Charlotte, 25, said she went out on the 80% question but was satisfied with her performance: "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."
Viewers can catch up on The 1% Club on ITVX.
