Billy's trip to London

With Billy Gibbons' appearance on Tipping Point yesterday behind him, local personality Billy is free to reveal more about his trip to London to appear on the ITV show. What follows is in his very own words – after all, no-one else could write them in this particular order....

Before this latest excursion, the last time I was on a train was quite a while ago...even so, I remember the name of the driver and of the train. Mr Stevenson was his name and the train was called (appropriately for me) The Rocket!

I am of course joking but, it was quite a while ago. Strangely enough though, this time as well as the first, was for a TV gameshow.

Catchphrase

The first one was for a show called 'Catchphrase' in the mid 90's hosted by the very nice Roy Walker. On that show I won over a thousand pounds and a Microwave oven which my Dad wouldn't let me bring in the house on account of "all that radiation that's in 'em". (I'm referring to the Microwave, not the money.. he let me bring THAT in!!!)

For the 'Useless Facts and Trivia Buffs' amongst you, at that time, the money I won was the most ever won on Catchphrase (so much so that the producer came over to me after we finished filming and said; "B****y H**l, what are you trying to do...break us!!!) and I was the first (male) contestant ever to have not worn a tie on the show. (Actually, I WAS wearing a tie..it was around my waist holding my trousers up!)

Audition

Anyway..back to the chase, sorry, wrong gameshow...the one I've just been on was 'Tipping Point'. The audition was in a very posh hotel in Manchester. During it, we had to individually tell the producers our 'Claim To Fame'.

The one I chose for mine was: "I am the only person ever to have been on Page 3 of The Sun......fully clothed...sitting on top of a Flying Saucer." I had an idea they wouldn't believe me so I took the liberty of taking the paper along to prove my claim. That did the trick!

A few weeks later, I received the phone call to say I'd been chosen to appear on the show. I was really pleased about that because, when I got the call, I was in my attic looking for stuff to sell to get some money. (Strangely, no one was interested in buying a 1940's Water Tank).

Train to London

So, the next thing I know, there I am on a train whizzing my way to that London. When I got there, the producer said I had to get on the Tube to the (Wimbledon) Studios.

When I explained I've only just got my head round going on a train, let alone travelling on a human equvilant of a motorised underground sardine tin and that I'm not too good at coping with crowds, they said they'd send a car to pick me up from Euston. Which they very kindly did.

The driver was a great chap and, weirdly enough, used to frequent the Pubs and Clubs I used to play at when I played in and around the Capital a few years back although not at the same time as he was into a different kind of music than the stuff I played. He probably liked his music 'in tune' maybe...I didn't ask.

While I'm on the subject, I have a show coming up soon in a Club not to far from Audlem. My first one in 6 years and I'm really excited about it. Details to follow a bit nearer the time.

Studios

Anyway, after quite a long and interesting journey, I found myself in the Studios. "Hello" I said, "what are YOU doing here?" "I'm on 'Tipping Point' ...what are YOU doing here?" I replied to myself. "So am I" I said...Hold on...this is getting a bit surreal. (Note to self; Stick to the story and don't 'go off on one'..)

After a lovely bit of grub and a sit in the 'make up' room chair' (I said to someone "Can you make it look like I've only got one chin as opposed to the three I actually posses and make my eyes look further apart?"

The reply was; "Theres only so much that can be done with make up!!!") we went to the 'Tipping Point' set and, after a brief chat with the host, Ben Sheppard, filming began.

The rest, as they say, is history, but, if you didn't see the programme...I wasn't very good to say the least!

General knowledge and luck

As some of you may know, it's a game of general knowledge and luck. Unfortunately, I left my general knowledge at home but, I did have quite a lot of luck ....mostly bad! Suffice to say, my bank balance is in the same state as it was before I went on the show.

If some of you saw the show but didn't see me...you must have blinked! In fact, it took longer for them to apply my make up than it did to film me. I did, however, mention my book on the show. After one particular bit of bad luck I had I said "What are the chances of that!" It won't do the sales of it any good though because it's not even published yet.

It was a great experience though and, I'll look forward to the next one (oh yes...there'll be more!).

Anyone interested in watching Billy's TV appearance can do so on the ITV Player.

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