Landing a seat on The 1% Club may take more than simply being good at answering questions.
One former winner has lifted the lid on the audition process, revealing the three qualities that could help hopeful contestants stand out from the crowd — while admitting that luck also plays a major part.
The popular ITV quiz show, hosted by comedy star Lee Mack, has been on air since 2022. It sees 100 contestants take part, with players gradually eliminated as the questions become increasingly difficult.
The ultimate challenge is a question that only 1% of the country is expected to answer correctly. Contestants who make it that far can compete for a prize of up to £100,000.
What Does It Take to Make the Cut?
A contestant who won an episode during series three recently shared their experience on Reddit after another hopeful revealed they had failed to get through the auditions.
The anonymous winner explained that, in their experience, there appeared to be “three main types of people” who made it onto the programme.
According to the former contestant, these were people who “go far (or have the potential to),” contestants with big personalities, and those with interesting stories.
They stressed that the categories can overlap — and that possessing two of those qualities could be even more helpful than having just one.
Having all three, they suggested, would make someone an especially strong candidate.
But there was an important catch.
You Can’t Simply Fake It
The former winner acknowledged that these qualities are not necessarily easy to manufacture, particularly when it comes to personality.
They advised applicants to make the most of what they naturally have rather than attempting to create a completely different persona simply to impress the casting team.
The contestant also warned against trying too hard to stand out if it risks becoming irritating.
In their view, the most important thing is to work with your own strengths and find a way to be memorable without forcing it.
And even after doing everything right, there is another factor contestants cannot control.
Luck.
The winner admitted that there is also a “big luck” element involved in deciding who ultimately gets chosen.
The 1% Club Continues to Grow
Since launching in 2022, The 1% Club has become a popular fixture on ITV and was recognised at the 2023 National Television Awards, where it won Best Quiz Game Show.
The programme has continued to expand, with Lee Mack returning to host additional episodes before a Christmas special.
The show’s official X account also announced that four brand-new episodes would air during December, followed by the festive special and more episodes when series four officially begins.
Filming for series four was completed in November, with the show’s official account confirming that the new series will contain 16 episodes, as well as a Soccer Aid special.
For anyone hoping to join the 100 contestants in the future, the former winner’s advice is simple: show the casting team who you really are, make your personality count, and remember that sometimes, getting that coveted seat also comes down to being in the right place at the right time.