For more than a decade, Tipping Point has been one of ITV’s most popular daytime quiz shows, with contestants battling both general knowledge questions and the programme’s iconic coin-pushing machine in the hope of winning thousands of pounds.
Since launching in 2012, the show has become a regular fixture for viewers, while presenter Ben Shephard has earned a reputation for his friendly style and quick wit. But what is the experience really like for those who step onto the set?
Former contestants have shared a series of behind-the-scenes stories over the years — from surprising details about the famous machine to what Ben is genuinely like when the cameras stop rolling.
‘I was on Tipping Point and here’s what Ben Shephard is really like off air’(Image: ITV)
Contestants say Ben Shephard is exactly as viewers imagine
One of the most consistent themes among former players is praise for Ben’s warm and approachable manner.
Earlier this year, Luke Robins reflected on filming an episode of Tipping Point three years earlier, describing it as a memorable experience during a difficult period in his life.
Ben has hosted the show from the start(Image: Copyright (c) ITV.)
Writing on X, the father of two said: “The cat is finally out of the bag. Three years ago, I filmed an episode of #tippingpoint. Thoroughly enjoyed it, to think where I was then mentally as well.”
Luke also praised the presenter directly, writing: “@Benshephard was a gentleman to us all.”
Ben later responded to the message, saying: “Was great to have to take on our machine Luke, really glad you enjoyed it despite things not going your way!”
The former player praised Ben
Former contestant Ellie Millar shared a similar experience after recording her episode in May 2022.
Posting a video on TikTok, Ellie explained that she was nervous about meeting the presenter but quickly felt at ease.
“Ben was just talking to the producer and said, ‘Hi guys, are you okay?’ He was so lovely and I was a bit starstruck,” she said.
“He was the nicest, nicest man. You know how people say you see people on TV and when you meet them they’re not all that? He was all that and more.”
Ellie added that Ben helped calm contestants’ nerves and made the whole experience feel fun rather than intimidating.
“Honestly, we were all so nervous, but Ben was really, really good at making you calm and putting you at ease,” she said.
The secret behind the famous machine
Ben let slip a secret about the programme(Image: ITV1)
While viewers often focus on the giant coin machine at the centre of the show, several contestants have revealed that it works rather differently from what many people imagine.
Ben himself previously explained that the machine is operated using a complex technical system controlled behind the scenes.
Speaking in 2019, he said the setup was so intricate that it would be difficult to take the show on tour.
“It’s a really complicated system that is run by the gallery,” Ben explained.
He also revealed that a member of the production team monitors the hydraulics and ensures the hoppers feeding the counters remain full throughout filming.
Former contestant Tony Fillingham later revealed another little-known detail.
Another player also discussed the show
According to Tony, contestants are introduced to an independent adjudicator before filming begins.
He said the person stands behind the machine wearing white gloves and oversees the dropping of counters.
Tony claimed that when contestants press the button to release a counter, the timing of the drop is controlled by the adjudicator rather than directly by the button itself.
“It blew my mind,” he said, adding that he had always assumed the machine was completely automated.
He also explained that players do not control the exact moment the counter falls, which can make timing feel even more unpredictable.
A television favourite for more than a decade
Part of Tipping Point’s appeal has always been the combination of quiz questions, luck and suspense, with contestants balancing strategy against the movement of the machine.
Each counter that falls into the win zone is worth £50, while the final round offers the chance to land a jackpot counter worth £10,000.
Some contestants have even won larger totals when the jackpot counter has fallen alongside a double counter.
But while viewers often remember the dramatic moments when counters tumble over the edge, many former contestants say one of the biggest highlights is meeting Ben Shephard himself.
If their accounts are anything to go by, the presenter’s friendly on-screen persona appears to be exactly the same once the cameras stop rolling.
Tipping Point airs weekdays on ITV.