Down to the Riverside studios in Hammersmith to record next Wednesday's episode of "The Apprentice: You're Fired". "Have you been here before?" asked the runner who showed me to my dressing room. "Yes, a few times," I told him, "This is where we recorded This Morning With Richard Not Judy." Though I have been there quite regularly in the eleven years since that finished. It can't be that long can it? Yes it can.
It was quite exciting to be getting a sneak preview of the next episode of this unfailingly entertaining show and to find out who gets fired ahead of the rest of the nation. I have, of course, been sworn to secrecy and in any case wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for any fans, but I was impressed how keen the team behind the scenes at the show were to ensure we didn't find out before we saw the programme. At one point the runner came and closed the door to my dressing room because the fired Apprentice candidate was heading through to make up. I heard a male voice passing my room, but then a female voice replying. I didn't recognise either voice. It was very cloak and dagger, especially as we were only minutes away from watching the episode, but it would ruin the suspense to find out and I am glad they were being so fastidious. My fellow panelists were businesswoman Julie Meyer and Guardian journalist Grace Dent, who I feel like I know via Twitter etc, but who I think I have actually never met before. We all watched the episode together and it's a really good one, with some beautifully stupid comments and awful behaviour. The fired candidate showed some quite breath-taking petulance after their firing and I was a bit nervous about meeting them, worried that I would be rude to their face. The studio audience were also shown the episode in advance, though a little bit after us, so we were standing waiting to come on to the set when the denouement played out. It was fascinating to hear their responses as they watched the firing process, intakes of breath, worried mumbling and then an eruption of either joy or sadness (I am not telling you which) as the failed candidate was revealed. People were gripped by it all and it must be gratifying for the people behind the programme to get this affirmation - most shows wouldn't have a room full of people giving their reactions in this way. It was also great to see that the programme had a very mixed audience in terms of age, class and ethnicity, which is not always the case at radio and TV recordings. In fact it is hardly ever the case.
The lovely Dara O' Briain is the new host of the show and did a great job. He is a very witty and sharp comic, perhaps a little wasted on Mock the Week as the chairman as he can't join in quite as much, but in this show he is much more at the centre of things and it was fun riffing with him. I also managed to make my point about Alan Sugar's inability to say resume, though whether that will make the final cut is another matter. It's a relaxed show where everyone is just chatting and I didn't feel under pressure to crack jokes at every juncture and just enjoyed the discussion and the extra footage.
Towards the end of the recording some childish (and amusing) people in the audience started to play that game that I haven't really witnessed since school, where when there was a round of applause they tried to be the last one to clap. It was funny to hear this happening in this context, but especially so when Dara also noticed it during a re-take and turned on the crowd saying he knew what they were doing and if they didn't stop he would come amongst them and sort them out. His mock anger and school teacherly attitude was perfectly pitched and it worked because the game stopped, although I was very tempted to continue it from my place on stage. But I never quite got the opportunity.
That won't make the show, but I think it's worth a look if you like the Apprentice (might be a bit confusing if not). It was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday evening, especially as there is no AIOTM (AIOTM) tomorrow so I could relax a bit when I got home. A little surprise extra podcast will soon be appearing to keep you tided over until next Monday.
To celebrate the official launch of the Hitler Moustache DVD (in shops now) you can now go to facebook and give yourself a Hitler tache (or at least a pic of you).
Click here to let the good times roll.
And I am delighted to be able to inform you that the secret headliner for next Sunday's Lyric Hammersmith gig is Tim Minchin doing a 30-40 minute warm up set for his new tour (no orchestra!) It's bound to sell out when this news gets out
so book now. You also get me, Dave Schneider, Zoe Lyons and Tony Law and tickets start at just £10.
For info of everything I am up to
check out the latest newsletter.
