In a surprising revelation about the behind-the-scenes workings of popular television quiz shows, a former contestant on Richard Osman's House Of Games has disclosed she received payment for four years as a standby participant, despite only working for a single day. The popular BBC Two programme, which airs on weekdays, features a quartet of famous faces competing across five consecutive episodes, with daily prizes and a weekly trophy at stake.
The Unexpected Standby Arrangement
Scottish stand-up comedian Ashley Storrie, who appeared alongside EastEnders legend Adam Woodyatt, newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy, and zoologist Megan McCubbin, shared her unique experience during an appearance on the online talk show Supper N A Can. The 39-year-old performer explained that her history with House Of Games extends much further back than viewers might have realised, revealing a little-known aspect of television production.
How The Standby System Operates
Ashley elaborated on the practicalities of her standby role, stating: 'They pay local performers to be on standby if somebody gets sick. It's enough to stay in my bed. All you have to do is have your clothes ready to go.' She detailed the specific requirements for House Of Games, noting that 'For House Of Games, you film five episodes in one day. So you get your five outfits ready.'
The comedian described the typical standby experience: 'They pay you the money, they phone you at 10 and go, "Everybody's here, you're not needed" and you just go back to your bed.' This arrangement required her to 'just have to block off that day' whenever she was on call.
A Four-Year Commitment To Standby Duties
Ashley revealed the remarkable duration of her standby involvement, explaining: 'So, I would do that... for House Of Games, I think for four years I was a stand-by girl.' During this extended period, she received annual assurances about becoming an actual contestant, but made a pragmatic decision regarding the financial arrangement.
'Then every year, it would be like, "We'll get you on next year as a real contestant" and I was like to my agent, "No, I want the free money."' she confessed, highlighting the financial appeal of the standby role over actual participation.
From Standby To Champion Contestant
Ashley's eventual appearance as a genuine contestant on House Of Games finally aired from November 3 to November 7, 2025. Reflecting on her performance, she proudly noted: 'I won all five nights and was the fifth person in history to get over 10 points on every day.' This triumphant outcome saw her emerge victorious over her celebrity competitors to claim the weekly trophy.
Production Insights And Budget Considerations
The revelation about standby arrangements comes as host Richard Osman previously discussed how game shows manage prize budgets to control production costs. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, which he co-hosts with Marina Hyde, the veteran presenter offered insights into why substantial cash payouts don't occur more frequently.
Richard explained: 'The questions wouldn’t be weighted particularly in that way. But lots of formats have ways of ensuring there isn’t a payout. So, you’ll do like a final round where you could win or you couldn’t win the jackpot.'
Television Budget Realities
The host further revealed that prize distribution ultimately depends on production budgets, stating: 'You always have an algorithm. Daytime budgets are very small, but in your budget will be a line item for prize money.' He used the example of Deal or No Deal to illustrate how prize structures operate within financial constraints.
Richard also discussed Pointless, another popular BBC quiz show he previously presented, noting its capacity to award £16,500 per day. He explained that when one contestant claims a substantial jackpot, it inevitably affects the prize opportunities available to other participants, highlighting the careful balancing act required in television quiz production.
House Of Games first debuted in 2017, with Richard Osman presenting it alongside Pointless until his departure from the latter programme in 2022. The show continues to be a staple of BBC Two's daytime schedule, combining celebrity participation with accessible quiz formats that have proven consistently popular with viewers.
