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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Michael Hogan

‘The crosser Jeremy Paxman got, the more we giggled’: what it’s like to come last on a TV show

Clockwise from left: Andy Abraham, Amos Lilley, Kaye Adams with Kai Widdrington and Yin Lü.
Early exit … (clockwise from left) Andy Abraham, Amos Lilley, Kaye Adams with Kai Widdrington and Yin Lü. Composite: PR

We often hear about the people who win TV contests. As well as the glory of victory, they might earn an enviable cash prize, a lucrative record deal or a life-changing career boost. But what about those who finish last? Are they philosophical in defeat or throwing tantrums behind the scenes? We tracked down five TV losers to relive their failure in front of millions, reveal how they recovered from humiliation and share what they learned.

‘I should have been more vulnerable, maybe cried’

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