Former contestants on ITV's Tipping Point have shared their behind-the-scenes experiences, with many praising host Ben Shephard for his kindness and professionalism. Luke Robins, who appeared on the show three years ago, took to social media to thank Shephard, describing him as 'a gentleman to us all'. Shephard responded warmly, saying he was glad Robins enjoyed the experience despite not winning.
Another contestant, Ellie Millar, recalled meeting Shephard in a TikTok video from October 2022. She said he was 'the nicest, nicest man' and that he put nervous contestants at ease. 'He was all that and more,' she added, countering the common notion that TV personalities are different off screen.
Tony Fillingham, a past player, revealed a surprising detail about the show's iconic coin-dropping machine. He explained that the button contestants press is a decoy; an independent adjudicator wearing white gloves actually drops the coin from behind the machine. 'It blew my mind,' he said, noting that contestants have no control over timing.
Shephard himself has previously disclosed that the machine operates on a 'complicated system' controlled from the gallery, with a person ensuring the hydraulics and hoppers function correctly. This explains why the machine cannot be taken on tour.
