Carlene Interview for Hunted S3

29 December 2017

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Why did you take part in Hunted?

I wanted to take part because I think that Hunted is an absolutely marvellous TV programme - it is developing a cult following. I wanted to take part for the sheer exhuberance of it, and because I wanted to test myself at outfoxing the hunters.

What special skills or attributes made you think you'd succeed in this?

I fancy that I have a cunning mind! I wanted to really put myself in the shoes of someone who was "on the run" and see if I could outwit my pursuers. Maybe I've watched too many war films where escaped PoWs are on the run...

What did you think the experience would be like making the programme and how did the reality match up to your expectations?

I didn't think that the getaway would be quite so tough - no period of grace (in the last a series the fugitives got an hour before the hunters could start to track them down). Also no chance to set up a getaway car. So it was very hard from the word go. But I must stress it was huge fun, and I would certainly do it again...

Did you pick up any tips from having watched the first two series?

Yes I picked up a few tips - especially the idea that complete strangers could be such useful tool in staying hidden

Did you go into it with loads of detailed plans or did you just go where fate took you?

We weren't really allowed to make too many plans, so from the very outset I decided to wing it. Although I did have a few tricks up my sleeve - most of which I never got a chance to use!!

What was the toughest aspect of the whole experience?

The toughest aspect was definitely the beginning - having to run for 300 yards with no chance to hide, knowing the hunters were hovering in a helicopter above us. My age told against me here -it took me so bloody long to clear the tramlines in Manchester and duck into alleyways!

Did you find yourself getting paranoid?

I was paranoid from the word go! Incredibly so. It certainly gave an insight into how anyone on the run must feel.

Did you form bonds with people when you were away? Did you meet people who were a really big help to you?

I formed bonds with people straightaway - especially the young American actor who let me borrow his phone when I was fleeing on the bus. He was an amazing character.

What would you say you learned from this experience?

I learned that being on the run is so much harder than it looks, and I really admire those in previous series for doing as well as they did. It is also incredibly exhausting – Anneka Rice said this in the recent Celebrity Hunted - and she lasted a lot longer than I did! It goes without saying that I would do things differently if I had a chance to do it again! But generally it was the most wonderful and positive experience - I feel proud that I was chosen to participate, it was great for my ego (and I'm not exactly shy and retiring). All my friends were impressed that I was up for it. It was the best thing that's happened to me in years! Thank you Hunted and Channel 4.