My Telly HEAVEN!
...with Laura Hamilton
As brand-new episodes of holiday home search show A Place In The Sun arrive just in time for summer, property expert presenter Laura Hamilton shares the TV shows she adores, whether she’s home or abroad...
Hello, Laura! What’s the best thing about working on A Place In The Sun?
For many people, finding a property abroad is a dream they’ve had for a very long time, and we’re making that dream a reality – which is just amazing! Plus I love meeting people from all walks of life, and I love to travel – so it’s a dream job, really!
Are you a bingewatcher?
I’ve recently binge-watched [crime drama] The Fall,
with Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan – it’s pretty dark, but oh my word, it’s amazing! I think Gillian Anderson is an incredible actress.
Which comedy shows do you love? Ted Lasso is a great comedy series. Initially I wasn’t sure about it, and thought it was about football – when actually it’s a funny and feelgood show about relationships.
I really enjoy watching it.
Are there any shows that help you unwind? Property shows. I’m doing a big renovation project at the moment and love series such as Grand Designs. And somebody recently recommended a show called The World’s Most Amazing
Vacation Rentals on Netflix, which is a really easy, interesting watch.
Is there a TV personality who’s always inspired you?
Emma Willis is a lovely presenter – there’s just something about her. And Dermot O’Leary has always been incredible. I worked with him as an assistant floor manager years ago, and he’s always been supportive.
What about your favourite programmes growing up? I remember watching Noel’s House Party, with Mr Blobby… And I grew up with shows like The Big Breakfast, that would be on every day before school. I loved Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Sweet Valley High, too!
Are there any of your former jobs that you’d like to do again?
I was a presenter on Fort Boyard: Ultimate Challenge and would love to do that again. It was action-adventure, daring and dangerous – that’s me all over!
Catch A Place In The Sun on weekdays at 4pm, Channel 4
Claudia Winkleman hosts this new general knowledge quiz – her first since 1997 (who remembers ITV’s Talking Telephone Numbers?) – in which pairs of contestants have to correctly answer just one question to win £100,000. So what was it about this particular game that appealed so much?
“It’s just such a simple, lovely idea,” explains Claudia. “One question, and we give them the answer, along with 19 incorrect ones. From that sentence alone, I was in!”
As one question appears on the board, it comes with 20 possible answers, only one of which is right. By eliminating the answers they’re sure are wrong, the contestants gradually whittle down their options. Claudia also offers additional clues and can remove incorrect answers for the players – but of course, that comes at a price. So do they go with their gut for the big money, or decide to play the long game with less in the prize pot?
“Watching the dynamic between the players is fascinating,” shares Claudia. “It’s such a cliché, but if they work together and don’t race, they absolutely smash it. It’s a game of slow and patient.”
So, were Claudia to sit on the opposite sofa as a contestant herself, how might she fare?
“I think I’d be useless!” she admits. “I’d be overexcited and probably get rid of the right answer in a fit of impatience and giddiness.”
Clearly better suited to the role of quizmaster, then – but Claudia admits it was difficult not to help the contestants in her keenness for them to succeed…
“If I had my way, everyone would win!” shares the star. “In a pilot, the producers gave me the answer and I immediately told the contestants: that was problematic. So I’m willing them on, but am too scared to lead them a certain way. And when they win, it’s spectacular!”