Benjamin Butterworth, 18, from Alderley Edge will appear on today's Weakest Link.
Having finished his A levels at Wilmslow High School in the summer, Benjamin from Mottram Road is currently studying at the London School of Economics.
I caught up with him this morning to find out why he decided to take part in the show and what the experience was like.
When did filming take place?
Filming took place back in August, the day after I received my A level results. I had to dash from the elation of having got into university to the train station and up to Glasgow. We had to be up at 5am the following morning for the show, and didn't get out of the studios until lunchtime.
Why did you decide to apply for the programme?
Before I turned 18, I said there were a number of unique things I wanted to do once I was an 'adult': purchase alcohol, place a bet, vote in a general election and appear on TV gameshow. Little did I know I'd achieve all four aims so soon.
How did you manage to get on the show?
I applied online. Following that there were two auditions over the phone, then an audition in Manchester, where they did a mock round of the show, a general knowledge quiz and a 5 minute interview to camera. I later had a few more phone calls where they'd ask me random general knowledge questions, before being selected to appear on the show.
How would you describe the experience? Did you enjoy it?
The experience was spectacular! Anne Robinson is the most thoroughly theatrical, scary and intelligent woman to go head-to-head with. You only ever see Ann once the show has begun - so there are no settling niceties. In fact, I'd say she's even 'meaner' off camera than on during filming; for example she screamed at one contestant when they didn't get a cue for the camera right. It's all panto, though. The whole thing was for sure the most adrenaline filled experience of my life to-date - I recommend anyone else who loves a thrill to go for it.
In terms of playing the game, I wasn't there realistically hoping to win because I'm too young to have sufficient general knowledge. But it was a gameshow - so I lied, cheated and manipulated from beginning to end. This included a strategic plan to engage in one meaningful conversation with every other contestant before the show began, complimenting female contestants on their outfits, lying about my A level grades so I appeared less able, and constantly smiling so I appeared entirely unthreatening.
The Weakest Link, featuring Benjamin Butterworth can be seen on BBC at 5.15pm today, Tuesday 2nd November.
