Hayley’s high hopes for 1,000 heartbeats

Hayley Pomfrett is the lead violinist in a string quartet on 1,000 heartbeats – a show where each contestant’s heart rate is monitored while they answer questions over seven rounds. Each beat counts down from 1,000 and when the number reaches zero it is game over.

The quartet plays to a click matching the heart rate of the contestant to add to the tension.

The show is scheduled to run for six weeks and began on Monday.

Hayley said: “I would love for this show to take off and become one of the daytime shows everyone knows about. I would love it to get that standing and I think it could do. I think it’s great. It’s such a different concept.

“The contestants are so lovely. Everyone has their story behind them. It’s heartbreaking when people walk away with nothing. It’s lovely when people walk away with a decent amount of money.”

Hayley was complimentary of host Vernon, describing him as ‘really funny’ and ‘very cool under pressure’.

She added: “He’s an amazing presenter. He always has a good one-liner and is very hardworking.”

Freelance violinist Hayley was introduced to the show’s creator – British film and television music composer Paul Farrer – through a contact she worked with on ITV show Pop Star to Opera Star.

Farrer has composed music for The Weakest Link and The Chase.

Hayley has performed alongside an array of global superstars including George Michael, Lana Del Rey and Sam Smith – who she played with at last night’s Brit Awards ceremony.

She has also appeared on hit TV programmes Strictly Come Dancing, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

She said she tries to take it all in her stride when she plays with famous names.

“It’s a dream career. It’s what I always wanted to do. I feel so lucky.”