Nessie's on Deal or No Deal: But did she win a fortune?

AN EAST PRESTON woman has spoken about the "fantastic, amazing experience" of starring on a hit television gameshow.

Channel 4's Deal Or No Deal has a top prize of 250,000, but contestants can walk away with just a penny if luck is against them.

But 38-year-old Nessie Gillen '“ who runs children's music club Twinkle Tots '“ is refusing to say whether her appearance on Deal or No Deal hit the right note or left her singing the blues.

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"It's so hard to keep it a secret from my friends." said Mrs Gillen, who lives in Arlington Crescent with husband Mick and children Keira, 7, and Aidan, 2. "Some people understand why but other people just keep asking questions."

Her big show is broadcast on June 14, where she will be seen in the hotseat choosing which boxes are opened as she hopes for the big prize. She says she will enjoy the show with friends and family as the fond memories flood back.

She said: "I've got a few people coming round to watch it with us. It's quite a few weeks since I did it. Now that it's on and bringing it all back, it's nice to relive it."

Mrs Gillen applied to go on the show last year '“ one of 75,000 people '“ and found out early this year she had been successful after auditioning in London.

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Filming took place over three February weeks in Bristol. Three shows a day were filmed during arduous four-hour sessions.

She said: "It was fantastic, an amazing experience. When you get there it smacks you in the face. You walk into a room and people have so much energy."

"It's quite strenuous but it's such good fun. It was an emotional rollercoaster. All the friends, you really bond with them. You get so close, you share all your time with them. If they do badly you feel upset for them. If they do well you're pleased. It's up and down the whole time."

She described 57-year-old host Noel Edmonds as "a genuine guy, really funny" who encouraged and supported everyone.

And she even managed to create herself a catchphrase '“ Tot-tastic '“ a reference to her music club.

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