RYLAN CLARK-NEAL says he’s never the smug know-it-all host on ITV’s latest teatime game show Babushka.
“The thing about working on this show is, I know nothing,” laughs Rylan.
“I don’t even know what the questions are. Sometimes I have to re-read the questions because I say it wrong and I don’t know where the money is.”
But there was no doubt his enthusiasm for getting involved in the first place.
“Within two minutes of playing the game with paper cups in a small room, I knew it was amazing.
“I didn’t need convincing. It was me bullying the channel saying, ‘If you don’t commission this I’ll leave…!’”
Rylan says game shows have always been on his radar, with the old series Strike It Lucky being just one he’s always adored.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because I love working with ‘Joe Public’,” he confides. “That’s where I just feel at my easiest.
“I don’t care about an autocue and I don’t care about the format.
“If the contestants are saying something funny, I’ll run with it. I didn’t want to do a game show where you just stand there and it’s all about answering questions and finding the money.
“I wanted to enjoy it. I’m on their side, I’ll never tell them an answer, even if I think I know it. But if I can help in any way, I will.”
The series features 10 Babushka dolls, eight of which have to be opened per game.
Rylan admits they’ve become – literally – a big part of the show.
“As much as they’re nice to look at, they’re quite intimidating.
“They’re massive – I’m 6ft and when I stand next to them they’re the same height.
“When they’re fully open they’re 7ft or 8ft – ridiculous.”
Babushka, ITV, Mon-Fri, 5pm.
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