He came. He saw. He read out the bingo numbers and cleaned out the green room of all alcoholic beverages. But we loved him. Keith, otherwise known as the actor Ewen MacIntosh (but I called him Keith all night), was our star turn at Celebrity Bingo this year and he did a great job. Difficult following in the footsteps of Dot Cotton from last year but everybody’s favourite accountant pulled it off, everyone had a great time and we raised lots of money for charity. That was all I wanted.
You wouldn’t believe how hard it is booking a celebrity for this kind of thing. Bearing in mind we were charging a fiver on the door and wanted to raise as much money for charity as possible, the key is getting someone quirky but on the cheap (no offence Keith). We were offered celebs but I wasn’t prepared to pay £1,000 for someone from TOWIE. I don’t even know what that stands for.
We had quite a hit list; Brian Blessed, Chris Biggins, Barbara Windsor, Tom Baker all featured but as I was turned down by each and every one of them, for various different reasons ranging from the money to ‘they’re away at the moment.’ We started to edge towards the dreaded D-list. Now I’ve got nothing against the D-list. It kind of works for this night but when they start turning you down, you know you’re in trouble.
'66...Clickety Click.'
Getting the knock back from Pat Sharpe and Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, was a particularly bad day. In the end though, we got Keith and I was delighted. We befriended each other on facebook a while ago and all he wanted was travel expenses and an overnight hotel. And lots of beer. He was a delight and very easy to work with and that made my life much easier and the night a huge success.
I’m pleased to say, I’ve already confirmed next years celebrity bingo caller and no, it’s not Pat Sharpe. We’re not speaking anymore
(Call me Pat, if you’re reading this).