Behind the Scenes: A Take Me Out Contestant’s Candid Revelations
The glitz and glamour of Saturday night television often mask a more complex reality, and one former contestant from the popular dating show Take Me Out is lifting the lid on what really goes on when the cameras stop rolling. John Harris, who appeared on the show as a student back in 2011, has shared his surprising insights into the infamous programme, revealing that the dream dates on the sun-drenched Isle of Fernando’s aren’t quite as idyllic as they appear.
Harris admitted that his decision to go on the show wasn’t driven by a quest for true love, but rather by the appeal of its “silly and fun” nature. This pragmatic approach proved wise, as he soon discovered that many of the female contestants weren’t exactly single and searching.
The Casting Couch: More Than Just a Pretty Face
According to Harris, the show’s casting process was more strategic than viewers might imagine. “It transpired that loads of the girls were already in relationships,” he explained. “They were looking for a bit of publicity.” He elaborated on how the production team carefully curated the contestants for each episode, aiming for a diverse mix. “They cast different characters in each episode. They would cast a gentleman, an interesting one, a quirky one, and then another good-looking fellow.”
No Pay, Just Panning Shots: The Reality of Studio Filming
Beyond the on-screen personas, Harris revealed that the contestants weren’t compensated for their time. “I wasn’t paid a penny for my time,” he stated. Even the seemingly spontaneous moments, like the iconic “single man lift,” involved more than met the eye. Filming in the studio, he noted, took “a good hour,” with multiple ascents and descents in the lift. “They wanted a couple of panning shots,” he recalled, adding that the glamour viewers saw was a far cry from the industrial reality. “The girls have to keep their decision from the first time you come down. It’s just industrial and you have to climb up a ladder – it’s nothing really. It only becomes glamorous when you see it on the telly.”
Wardrobe Malfunctions and Underarm Solutions
Even the contestants’ outfits, a key element of the show’s visual appeal, had their own behind-the-scenes secrets. Harris confessed to a rather unconventional solution for managing studio heat. “I had a grey shirt on and it was warm in there, so I had sanitary pads glued into the armpits of my arm. I was sweaty!” he admitted. His initial desire to wear a kilt was also thwarted by another contestant. “I wanted to wear a kilt, but somebody else on the series was wearing one. I took three outfits and the production team said, ‘Wear that one.'”
Isle of Fernando’s: A Party Before the Date
After being selected by Kerry, Harris was whisked away to the Isle of Fernando’s the following day. However, the romantic getaway wasn’t a private affair; the entire series was filmed concurrently, meaning all matched couples jetted off at the same time. While flights were covered by ITV, and contestants received “a little bit of expenses for food and stuff,” the reality of the date itself proved to be a comedic anticlimax.
In a moment of pre-date forgetfulness, Harris confessed to having forgotten his date’s name by the time they arrived. “When we flew out, we went partying,” he explained. “We were young lads, all staying in separate hotels. We just went out and had loads of fun.” The consequence of this revelry was a 5 am wake-up call for filming, leaving him unable to recall his date’s name.
The Illusion of Romance: Dining Without the Dinner
The date itself involved an activity Harris had no choice but to participate in: tennis. The subsequent dinner, however, was a revelation. “We went out for dinner – but you don’t actually get to eat any of the food. It’s all for display,” he revealed. Harris acknowledged that his intentions for the date were purely for enjoyment, which may not have aligned with Kerry’s expectations. “She was a lovely girl – nothing against it. But I was not the right man for her.”
Regrets and Re-Casts: What Could Have Been
Reflecting on his experience, Harris mused about the potential for more engaging television. “Do I regret choosing her? No, because she was nice. She was good looking,” he said. “Do I wish I had chosen somebody else for TV purposes? Yes, because there were two twins on the show, and I think it would have been really, really good TV.”
Despite the behind-the-scenes realities, Harris had nothing but praise for the show’s host, Paddy McGuinness. “He was great. He’s a make your life easier kind of person. He came and said hello to you before. He was a breath of fresh air.” Harris admitted to his own youthful anxieties, saying, “I was only young, and whilst in my head there were delusions of grandeur, I think I thought I was this charismatic young man. I was probably a nervous wreck. I remember Paddy being really nice.”
While Take Me Out may no longer be gracing our screens, clips and full episodes of the beloved dating show can still be found on platforms like YouTube, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the era of “No, no, no, no, no… yes!”
