A while ago I watched one of these game shows and carefully noted the answers given; it did not make any logical sense, except that occasional ‘winners’ came up at strategically useful moments. Whether they were real winners I have no idea. I also experimented (once!) with phoning in and in ten calls never got through to the studio, though the amount on my phone bill was significant. I came to the conclusion then, which was a long time before the furore broke out, that these games were unsound.

Now, to conclude, I believe legally that the right decision would be for the DPP to take out a criminal case against GMTV and I firmly believe it should be possible for heads to roll. I also believe that these game show operators should either be forced to make the games fair or that the whole thing should be outlawed.

Like most of these things, it is the poor and more vulnerable members of society who are duped by these unscrupulous organisations.