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Pensioner Is Addicted To Appearing On TV Game Shows Despite Never Winning

Pensioner Is Addicted To Appearing On TV Game Shows Despite Never Winning

'It keeps my mind alert,' explains 71-year-old Sandra McVeagh

Mischa Pearlmen

Mischa Pearlmen

We all say that we're hooked to our favourite TV shows, but can you imagine being addicted to appearing on them?

Well, that's precisely the case for Sandra McVeagh, a self-confessed TV game show contestant addict.

The 71-year-old retired from her job at the Yorkshire medical centre to pursue the wild and glamorous life of a TV show contestant, in a spate of appearances spanning over ten years.

NB Press

You better believe it, she's done them all: Pointless, Bargain Hunt, Fifteen to One, The Chase, The Boss and Wordplace all feature on her glowing TV resumé - but, strangely, Sandra has walked away from every one without winning a single penny in cash.

"It keeps my mind alert and I actually enjoy the hair and make-up and I like rating the Green Rooms of the various programmes," she says.

"My career on TV is something I enjoy, I just enjoy the whole experience."

You see, folks. It's the taking part take really matters, not just winning the bundles and bundles of cash. Who needs money, eh?

In fact, it was popular quiz show Pointless, featuring Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman, where she won her only award so far. It was a Pointless trophy - literally, some might say - and it now proudly sits on her mantelpiece.

Sandra's illustrious career on the television started way in 2009 on Channel 5's now defunct Wordplay, and she's never looked back, despite not having emerged from the studio victorious.

NB Press

"The Boss was the nearest I came to winning any money and I was almost at the point of deciding which shoes I'd be buying when the prize of around £6,000 slipped away," she recalls.

"We were on holiday in Wales when it was broadcast and we got sent a photo showing some of our seven grandchildren watching intently as they had plans on spending the money as well!"

But Sandra likes to share the wealth and so she convinces her husband Maurice to come along to help her out on the shows.

NB Press

"My husband Maurice is a rather reluctant volunteer, but he helped me get my hands on the Pointless trophy, so that was fantastic," she says.

Meanwhile, 77-year-old said his wife's adventures had come as something of a surprise, adding: "When we married I had no idea my model bride would turn into a TV star!"

It's nice that the pair keep hold of their humble disposition - although who knows whether that will change? Can't be bad, having a glitzy life and rubbing shoulders with telly stars.

Words: Jacque Talbot

Featured Image Credit: NB Press

Topics: TV and Film, Interesting, UK Entertainment, Addiction, TV Show