A former female participant who appeared on Take Me Out has lifted the lid on her experience and going to the Isle of Fernando’s.
Jodie Carnall, from Leicester, was encouraged by her sister to apply and was later chosen to go on a date during the penultimate episode of her series.
Speaking on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Jodie opened up about what it was like as a contestant behind the scenes, and what she thought of the host, Paddy McGuinness.
She also disclosed her thoughts about the interview process and how she truly felt during her date in the Isle of Fernando's.
Speaking on behalf of Zingo Bingo, former contestant Jodie Carnall said:
Why did you apply to be on the show?
My sister actually encouraged me. I've never been lucky with love. So I applied and then I got the call. I was single and all my previous dates had been nightmares. My sister said I had nothing to lose.
So were you aware of the format of the whole thing?
No, I had no idea of anything.
Why do you think you were chosen in the application process?
Maybe it's because the producers needed a variety. I was like a geeky redhead with thick red glasses. I always say what I think.
What was the interview process like?
I had to go to London and do a fake show. The producing team would pretend that they were the man coming down the lift. Then we'd have to take it in turns to show what we'd say. I've always been quite good with my puns.
How many episodes were you in before you were picked for a date?
I didn't get chosen until the penultimate show. So, I was there for about 2 weeks straight recording the series. I loved every minute, but it was exhausting. I was Tom’s love at first light, which meant he chose me as the woman he was most attracted to as soon as he came down the lift.
What was the routine like behind the scenes?
You would wake up really early. I would have breakfast and then you'd get your hair and makeup done super, super early. The girls are then given a sheet of questions which gives hints about the boys appearing on the show. We then had to do a practice run of the show, then ate lunch, did our hair and makeup again and we didn’t film until the evening.
How was it walking down the stairs each time?
I think one girl actually fell down and really hurt herself in the rehearsal. I used to be a dancer, so I'm used to having to go downstairs in heels. I used to model quite a bit and I used to do catwalks. But your feet did start to ache towards the end because you're in your heels for the whole show.
Were you allowed to wear whatever you wanted?
I think we took some of our own dresses. We'd show the stylist like what we've got and none of mine passed the vibe check. I'm not the most fashionable. They put me in their outfits.
What were the rules in terms of turning off your light?
A lot of people think that it's just all scripted. It really is very free. I'd keep open minded when the guys came down the lift. We were allowed to do what we wanted.
What was Paddy McGuinness like?
He was lovely. Obviously you don't get much time for a chat. But he was very welcoming and very reassuring because it was nerve-wracking. There’s a live audience, and I was very nervous. But when I’m nervous, I speak more, so that kind of worked out well.
In the Isle of Fernando’s, how strict were producers? Were you allowed to have your phone?
No, you won't be allowed to have your phone. You were given some Euros to buy drinks whilst filming, but it was a very tight schedule. The date was free flowing.
Did you have any time for sightseeing?
No, you just go and you film the date. I think there's three couples in total, then you have the night filming with everyone.
What did you do in Fernando's when you weren't filming?
You're not allowed to sightsee. So it's strict in that way. The girls were obviously kept separate from the boys. You're not allowed to see them until the date. So that was genuine, as I didn’t see Tom until our actual date in Fernando’s.
How was your date with Tom? Best/worst moment from your date?
We had drinks and food, but my date was awkward. We didn't get on at all. Then at the reunion, he just talked to the boys. It was a very lonely experience for me actually. Tom wasn’t my usual type, but I was just trying to be open minded.
I didn't do the date just to go to Fernando's, but I tried not to be picky. I left the date feeling quite down about myself, because I thought I'd chosen someone that I wouldn't usually go for. But, I'll be forever grateful to the producers and I still loved going along for the opportunity.
