We normally work well in advance of events and bookings, but occasionally we have the capacity to do a last-minute event. It helps if it is something different or interesting. Being called at 11 am on a Monday for an all-day event the same Wednesday is very unusual, but then it was for ITV’s TOWIE. Who our friends at Tombola sponsor,

Could we get to Essex by 9 am on Wednesday morning? As it happened, we could. With details finalised on Tuesday and an overnight drive to the Old Regent Ballroom in Standford-Le-Hope, Essex, we arrived with plenty of time for the 9 am start. It’s an apt shoot location as the building was a former bingo hall.

By 8.30 am, people were arriving; there was very little conversation as everyone went on with what they needed to do: cables were laid, cameras set up. This is a highly experienced crew; they all know what to do. It is very professional and impressive to watch. We set out Monet Bingo Machine centre stage. We test everything to ensure it works, then work with one of the camera crews to film bits of Monet in action. Some of these cutaway shots make the final edit.

We make sure every table has bingo tickets and dabbers. When you hire the Monet, we provide bingo tickets and dabbers too.

We are all set and ready to go.

Filming begins as the TOWIE crew walk in; today we have an impressive cast from the TOWIE team: Jordan Brook, Becks Bloomberg, Amber Turner, Amy Childs, Chloe Meadows, Courtney Green, Dani Imbert, Elma Pazar, Freddie Bentley, Harry Derbidge, Joe Blackman, Jordan Brook, Junaid Ahmed, Saffron Lempriere and Sophie Kasaei. Along with the stars of the show, there are also lots of background extras.

Everything runs smoothly; the team is well-oiled, knows what they are doing, and doesn’t mess about. It’s a full day of filming for what becomes about five minutes in the final show. It’s still a long day, and we finally wrap at about 6 pm, which is an hour earlier than planned.

The big question – is the show scripted? This might surprise you, but no, it wasn’t!

You can still watch the episode online on ITVX: Series 35, Episode 9, and the bingo is at 21.40 and 35.21. Click here to see the episode.

Monet Bingo Machine is perfect for filming, so if you have a programme or film and require a bingo machine, vintage bingo balls and/or a professional caller, get in touch.