Stars who appeared on game shows before being famous

12 Jul Stars who appeared on game shows before being famous

While a whole host of television shows have helped launch well-known faces into the spotlight, not all of them made their TV debuts in the same way. In fact, a selection of celebrities we watch on television and using on-demand streaming services have risen to fame through a variety of different routes. One common way is after appearing on a game show, with some familiar faces of today first being showcased to UK audiences via game shows from back in the day. 

As a nation, we certainly enjoy game shows on the whole. As such, appearing on one was always seen as a sure-fire way of winning early admirers and showing off your personality to the viewing public. The likes of X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent have contributed to the success of a number of celebrities, although they aren’t the only options. 

Olly Murs was first seen on Deal or No Deal 

One of Essex’s very own, Olly Murs didn’t first grace our screens because of his musical talents, but actually due to an attempt to win the coveted £250,000 prize on Deal or No Deal, a game show that did so well that there’s even a Deal or No Deal live casino game show that gives players the chance of experiencing life as a contestant. Although there was some early promise for Murs, he turned down an offer of £26,000 only to end up leaving the show with just £10 to his name. The UK music star has since gone on to appear on a number of celebrity versions of the show, although he famously left with just 50p after his last appearance. Olly Murs should probably just stick to music. 

Aston Merrygold was singing way before JLS

Another pop sensation who appeared on a game show is Aston Merrygold, one of the main members of boy band, JLS. While most people will recall the band’s rise to fame thanks to The X Factor, Merrygold had a music-related opportunity of his own when he was a teenager. Hosted by Matthew Kelly, Stars In Their Eyes Kids saw the JLS junior impersonating Michael Jackson and coming second place after an impressive performance. While Merrygold didn’t win, his talent was on show for all to see. 

The Body Coach couldn’t pull off The Bank Job 

Joe Wicks, who has risen to fame thanks to his array of health and fitness advice, first hit our screens as a contestant on The Bank Job. The world-famous Body Coach appeared on the Channel 4 show but failed spectacularly. Despite his usual beard being missing, the fitness enthusiast looked the same, although his positive mindset didn’t help when it came to the show, largely due to a dodgy buzzer that stopped him in his tracks. 

Simon Cowell was on Sale Of The Century

(Image via https://twitter.com/IDKTIDKT)

Although most people associate him with Britain’s Got Talent, and The X-Factor, Simon Cowell’s first television appearance came as a contestant on Sale Of The Century. Despite now making a number of lucrative deals and becoming a millionaire in his own right, Cowell left this particular game show with just cooking utensils. Luckily for him, he’s done all right since, though. 

Cowell’s co-star went searching for love on TV 

While Simon Cowell’s appearance on Sale Of The Century is a surprise to some, Amanda Holden’s Blind Date experience will shock others. Teaming up with legendary host Cilla Black in an attempt to find love in 1991, the Britain’s Got Talent judge ended up going home without a date. Her potential suitor was devastated about it, too.