Six years ago to the day my friend Abi and I travelled to Pinewood Studios to watch the recording of the Lily Allen show as members of the audience. We were both fans of her music and Abi was more so in particular because Lily’s first album, Alright Still, had kind of helped her through a break up of a relationship. The summer before we both went to see her perform as part of the Eden Sessions at The Eden Project, and it was such a brilliant night that as soon as I saw that Lily was hosting her own chat show on BBC 3 I applied for tickets so Abi and I could go. I actually applied for them one line and in secret so I could surprise Abi because I knew she would be bowled over!
My application was successful and I was told that we could go to the recording the following week. The show was pre recorded on a Friday night and then shown the following Wednesday I think, so it meant that I had to take a couple of days off work as we stayed over night on the Friday as it was a long way to go in one day (I worked 6 days a week including Saturdays in my cafe back then). Abi was, as expected, chuffed to bits and very excited!
We arrived at Pinewood Studios for 6pm I think as I think the recordings started at 7pm and we were taken to an area with the other audience members where we were allowed a free beer or soft drink, and given a wrist band to wear.
Once in the studio we had to stand around and practise clapping and cheering as a man held up signs telling us what to do! It was really interesting watching a chat show being made and filmed and how much time it does take with things going wrong and Lily giggling a lot!
The guests that night were Lee Mack, Martin Freeman and Adele and I did stand next to Adele and her make up artist at the bar. We were not really meant to take photos inside the studio, and I saw studio people telling other audience members off for doing so, but I was able to take a couple before recording started of Abi and I, but no photos of Lily or the guests as me taking a sneaky pic during the live recording would have got me into big trouble!
I was a bit over dressed really as most of the audience were a bit more hip and happening and well younger than me, but it did not matter really.
After the show had been recorded, Abi and I waited outside to try and get Lily’s autograph but although we did get a ‘hello’ she was not doing any signings.
Looking back now I cannot believe I appeared in the audience of the first and only series of The Lily Allen Show – seems so long ago now and like a different world! But Abi and I did have a good laugh and it was nice to have a break from working!!
This post was brought to you as part of Flashback Friday
Remember – a flashback can be from any time whether it be yesterday, last week, last month, last year or yesteryear! It can be a flashback of your own, your children, your partner or your friends.
I completely forgot Lily Allen used to have her own show! You look beautiful xx
Wow, rubbing shoulders with Adele! Lucky lady! Sounds like you had a really fun time 🙂 x
Sounds like a great night! I always feel overdressed when I go to gigs and things too but I don’t get to go out very often so always make an extra effort!
Sounds like fun. I’ve never been in an audience x
Gorgeous piccies of you Jen, you always suit red so well. I remember you going to this, but what you have failed to mention on this flashback was that you actually starred on this chatshow, didnt you answer a question and were recorded and this was broadcasted? Chuckle! Chuckle! Kxxx