'Ben Shephard showed his true colours after Tipping Point cameras stopped rolling'

Tipping Point stands as a beloved quiz programme- but what have former contestants revealed about their time on the ITV show?

Since 2012, Tipping Point has remained a fixture on television screens. Fronted by Ben Shephard, the format sees participants take on an iconic machine in pursuit of substantial cash prizes. The competitors answer questions to secure the chance to drop a coin into the machine, with each counter representing £50 in prize money.

The tension escalates in the final round, however, with the jackpot counter worth an impressive £10,000, and the possibility of even greater winnings should it fall alongside a double counter.

Yet what have former players disclosed about their experience on the show? Here, we're examining Tipping Point's behind-the-scenes revelations, including what Ben is genuinely like, reports the Mirror.

Tipping Point star on what Ben is really like

Earlier this year, Luke Robins, who filmed his episode of Tipping Point three years ago, opened up about being part of Tipping Point. He even thanked Ben for giving the programme a go during a difficult time in his life.

Taking to X to share his experience, father-of-two Luke wrote: "The cat is finally out of the bag. Three years ago, I filmed an episode of #tippingpoint. Thoroughly enjoyed it, to think where I was then mentally as well." Sharing his thoughts on 51-year-old Ben, he tagged the ITV star and added: "@Benshephard was a gentleman to us all." Ben retweeted the post and penned: "Was great to have to take on our machine Luke, really glad you enjoyed it despite things not going your way!"

Ben 'was the nicest man'

Luke is far from the only former contestant to sing Ben's praises. Ellie Millar recounted her appearance on the popular ITV programme in October 2022, having filmed her episode back in May of that year. In a TikTok video, Ellie said: "Then it was time to go to the stage and to meet Ben Shepherd. He was just talking to the producer and was like 'hi guys, are you okay?' He was so so lovely and I was a bit starstruck.

"He was the nicest, nicest man, he was lovely. You know how people say you see them on TV and when you meet them they're not all that, he was all that and more. Honestly we were all so nervous, but Ben was really really good at making you calm and putting you at ease. He just made it feel like it was really really fun, which it was it was so good."

Ben reveals Tipping Point secret

Back in 2019, Ben himself lifted the lid on some behind-the-scenes secrets, shedding light on how the iconic machine actually functions. Speaking to the Huffington Post, Ben revealed that the legendary contraption operates on a "complicated system".

He shared: "It's a really complicated system that is run by the gallery. It's such a complicated setup, which is why when people ask if we can take it on the road, that's the reason why we can't."

Despite the sophisticated electronics, there's still an individual who performs a crucial role positioned behind the machine. Ben explained: "He has to make sure the hydraulics are going at the right pace because sometimes they can be too fast. He has to make sure the hoppers that feed the counter are full."

Tipping Point secret most people never guess

Another contestant, Tony Fillingham, also spoke previously about his experience of appearing on Tipping Point. He told OLBG.com there's one element viewers would never suspect occurs behind the scenes. Tony shared: "It's not even that it's behind the scenes - it's just something I never expected. The biggest shock for me was the actual machine you drop the coins into.

"They took us over to meet the independent adjudicator - this older woman with white gloves. Turns out, when you press the drop button on the show, it's not connected to anything. Nothing at all. That button is a decoy.

"There's a woman standing behind the machine, wearing those gloves, watching you. When you press the button, she's the one who actually drops the coin. It blew my mind! I always thought it was an automated machine, but nope. Total surprise." He added: "You don't control the timing. It's all down to her. Sometimes I'd hit the button and think, 'Why hasn't she dropped it yet?' You're basically at her mercy."

Tipping Point airs Monday to Friday at 4pm on ITV1.