Virtually Famous - June 2014

Virtually Famous is a brand new panel show, which was recently aired on E4, about videos which have gone viral online. It was presented by Glee star, Kevin McHale and the team captains were Seann Walsh and Chris Stark. Back in June, I was lucky enough to be able to attend a recording of the show. Having been in the audience for many shows when I was teenager, I thought I knew what to expect. It turned out I was completely wrong as having only been live shows or prerecorded in a live style, I had never attended a recording like the one I was about to experience and with a headache as well!

We arrived at Riverside Studios stupidly early. But a long wait would worth it if it meant seats near the front! During our wait, a researcher came out to ask we would "Keep or Delete" Cat and DIY videos. I have to admit, I really didn't think they asked the studio audience beforehand when shows say they do! So there is me proven wrong! I answered delete to both! Eventually we were led round to entrance and allowed into the studio when the set was. We nearly ended up away from the front of the audience but after my friend, Kirsty, complained, our entire row was moved to front rows, with me and Kirsty managing to get two seats directly in front of Seann's team, which turn out to be a great place to sit.

The teams for recording were: Chris Stark, James Acaster and Pixie Lott and Seann Walsh, Troy the magician and Aisling Bea. Favourite Moments of the recording included: Pixie Lott ripping off sellotape from Chris' face and the look of pain on his face when she did; Seann's rant on cats, which I have to admit I agreed with; everyone's reactions when Troy pulled string out of his eye, which was absolutely disgusting; and the amazing Aisling Bea, who kept me and Kirsty laughing even when they were between takes!  The show was absolutely fantastic and Kevin was a brilliant presenter!

The show is about 50 minutes with adverts but the recording took around two hours, perhaps a little longer. Most of what is shown in the final cut is really only a small proportion of what actually happens during recording! Then on top of that, there is sometimes the need for retakes. By the time, it was reaching near the end, my headache had got really bad (all the laughing probably didn't help), so I was quite glad once it was finally done, though I had an absolute blast! Though at least I can be more prepared for the next time, if I ever attend a similar recording.

 After the show, we hung around the bar just outside the studio doors in the hope of meeting Kevin and the guests! As you can see from my photos, I was lucky enough to meet everyone but Chris! Aisling actually ended up thanking me and Kirsty on Twitter after I tweeted my photo with her, for keeping her going throughout the show! Obviously I was so happy to be able to meet and get a photo with Kevin. I was even more delighted when he agreed to sign an autograph for Rachael, on which he stated I was the best mum in the world! Fantastic end to a fantastic evening!