Celebrity Moneybags Press Pack

10 August 2022

BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 quiz show Moneybags kicks off a new series with a new timeslot and a week of celebrity specials

Channel 4’s big money afternoon quiz show, Moneybags is back for a second series this August in its brand new timeslot of 5pm. The hit gameshow will launch with a week of celebrity specials featuring famous faces from the worlds of television, music, comedy and sport.

Host Craig Charles returns to welcome a raft of new contestants all in with a chance of winning a life-changing cash prize, with a cool £1 million quite literally up for grabs each week, including one single bag worth £100k.

Celebrities hoping to grab a fortune for charity are actress Catherine Tyldesley, Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford, Steps star Claire Richards, comedian and actress Nina Wadia, Celebs Go Dating’s Tom Read Wilson, impressionist actress Kate Robbins, comedian Dane Baptiste, Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton, original punk wild child Toyah Willcox and fitness legend, Mr Motivator.

Moneybags is a high-stakes quiz that tests contestants’ ability to think quickly as they answer each question by grabbing the moneybag with the correct answer as it passes along a conveyor belt in front of them. Those who grab the right answer earn that bag’s value, which can be anything from £1,000 to £100,000. But should the wrong bag be picked up, contestants risk losing everything. There’s an enormous £1 million passing down the conveyor belt each week, and it’s up to the contestants to try to grab as much as possible.

With questions ranging from ‘correct facts about toilets’ to ‘things that are taller than Tom Cruise’ and ‘things that weigh more than a miniature dachshund’, the series promises fun and entertainment in addition to the big money wins and gut-wrenching losses.

In each show, players are hoping that they’ll be randomly selected to take their place in front of the money belt for one of the three head-to-head battles. Whoever banks the most cash in each round will compete in the ‘triple-header’, a tense three-way battle in which whoever grabs – or steals – the most cash will play to win it all in the Moneybags final. There’s mega money at stake, but who will grab it? And more importantly, will they hold onto it?

Brand new for this series, audiences will also be able to play the hit gameshow whenever and wherever they want with the brand new Moneybags app. The app will be available to download for free from both the App Store and on Google Play and will launch with the series.

Moneybags is produced by Youngest Media North and devised by the team who created The Million Pound Drop and Pointless.

 

Craig Charles Interview

Welcome back! How does it feel to be back for a second series?
I’ve been very lucky in so much as the shows I’ve done have had have quite a bit of longevity. You kind of know when you’re doing something if it’s got legs or not. When we were making this, we thought it’s a really great game, it’s really fun, it’s dynamic, it’s edge of your seat stuff as well, it’s great television. I certainly felt that we were making a great show but then to get the validation of people really liking it, it getting great reviews, getting nominated for a BAFTA, it makes you feel as though you know what you’re doing and you’re not completely off the pulse!

It’s great to do more, it’s one of those shows that we’ll hopefully end up doing more than two series of. It’s not a traditional quiz, the questions are clever like ‘things are bigger than a Shetland Pony’. There are great questions, great risk and great excitement and I just think it’s a great afternoon quiz. It’s not as question and answer-y as other quizzes, you can have fun with it, you can take the mick out of people plus you can win big money. There’s no other game show on telly with £1million coming down the belt every week!

You have celebrities joining you this series. Tell us a bit about the celebrity specials…was there anyone who was particularly competitive/funny?
They were all quite competitive. Natasha Hamilton is really competitive, she hates losing. Claire from Steps, who we’ve established is only ever known as Claire from Steps, hates getting things wrong, she hates losing. They were all wanted to win big for their charity. I can’t say who lost big, but someone lost BIG and was in tears, inconsolably crying. You’re hundreds of thousands of pounds up and all of a sudden you’re bankrupt. I’ve been there myself; I did Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and I lost the £32,000 question and took home £1000. No one prepared me for how bad I would feel for weeks, I would wake up in the night saying ‘I can’t believe I got that wrong, I can’t believe I didn’t want to phone a friend.’ I can feel for all of them.

There were some fantastic personalities – Tom Read Wilson – he’s so charming, so funny, so nice. Greg Rutherford – a proper Olympian. He’s got the whole gambit, he’s got Commonwealth, European, Olympic and World gold medals so he’s obviously competitive. But he was so gracious and charming. They all were! Kate Robbins - hilarious, Dane Baptiste - really funny. They were such a nice bunch, they gelled so well, and it was a pleasure to host.

And you're in a brand new timeslot of 5pm....
We are! It definitely feels like we've gone up in the world. It's exciting actually as we're now up against The Chase and Pointless - which are institutions in themselves. But there's no big rivalry there, we're just doing our own thing. We're totally different. Although we've got a bigger jackpot than Pointless, that's for sure! 

You are officially BAFTA nominated too! Why do you think it is that Moneybags has gone down so well with audiences?
Audiences want to be entertained, they want the jeopardy, the sense of risk, they want to feel all that when watching a game show. They want to see high stakes, Moneybags has got changes of fortune, excitement, humour, warmth, a sense of community and camaraderie. We’re together for quite a while, so we get to know the contestants throughout the week. You’re rooting for people; you get to hear personal stories as well. It just makes for great TV. But I would say that wouldn’t I?!

There are some big wins and gut-wrenching losses on Moneybags. How do you manage those situations in studio? It must be so tense…
I try and make them feel like: ‘It’s a game. You’ve come with nothing and if you go away with nothing, you’ve lost nothing, you’ve had a really great day. And if you go away with something, it’s a bonus. You’ve played a great game and great life experience and you haven’t taken away any money, but you’re not losing anything.’

How is your quizzing? Has it improved since becoming host?
Not really. Honestly, because I don’t know the answers, I’m playing along with them and I’m wrong more often than I’m right. My son, daughter and I did Britain’s Brightest Family for ITV and turns out we’re Britain’s Thickest Family! I was the weak link. I’m not great. I just don’t think I’m good under pressure, I much prefer asking the questions. That said, I’ve got a Pointless trophy, so I did well there!

Red Dwarf continues to be loved by fans old and new. I read more is to come…what can you tell us about that?
We brought the 90 minute feature out during lockdown and the plan was to do two more. But then Covid got in the way and since then, it’s trying to find a space in everybody’s schedule where we can do them. I’m extremely busy, Rob is mega busy with his company. We never want to do a ‘final episode’ because I think they’re awful. They never live up to the hype, they’re always disappointing. I think there’s still life in it, but if there isn’t and we don’t, then I’m happy with the way we’ve gone out. The ones we’ve done for Dave have been some of the best we’ve done. But if that’s the end of it, I’m happy but we’d all love to make more because we enjoy the process. It’s quite difficult and Moneybags is quite difficult to make as well. In fact, all the things I’ve made that have been difficult to make – long hours, hard work, lots of concentration - have been the best things. When you’ve had an easy shoot, often the reason it was easy was because it’s not very good!

Actor, radio DJ, comedian, TV presenter and quiz show host…is there anything else you’ve got your eye on next?
I’ve got these Scary Fairies poems I’ve written, which go back to the way I started. It’s children’s nursery rhymes through the eyes of a fairy. It’s all set in the dark woods; we’ve got music from the Philharmonic Orchestra. They’re 30 minute epic poems with a 95 piece epic orchestra. We’ve got all the music, all the words, we’re just trying to make them in to 30 minute long animated films. That’s what I’d really like to do next.

 

Celebrity Interviews

 

Catherine Tyldesley

Who is the most competitive out of all the celebrities?
I think the most competitive celeb is Toyah. I think my biggest competition is Dane. Dane is extremely knowledgeable and as a comedian, very observant and Toyah is ruthlessly ambitious. So, I’m aware of those two!

How much fun was it to film the series?
I had the best time. We none stopped laughed filming this series. Every single time we step in to that arena something happens where we’re all completely on the edge. It’s been hilarious. There’s been a lot of funny moments.

What charity are you playing for?
My charity is the neonatal ward at St Mary’s Hospital who do a phenomenal job of looking after poorly babies and saving lots of lives on a daily basis and they really need the money.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I’m not great with quizzes to be honest. I probably shouldn’t be here. I’m giving it a go. I’m winging it!

 

 

Claire from Steps

Who is your biggest competition?
I’m not sure who my biggest competition is. Everybody wants to win the money for their charity. I have done a quiz with Natasha before, and I know that she is very competitive. And Mr Motivator is quite competitive too.  

How much fun was it to film the series?
It was so much fun to film this series. We’ve had such a lovely time. Everyone’s so nice. We’ve had a really lovely group of people; I’m going to miss everyone!

What charity are you playing for?
I’m playing for Marie Curie. They provide hospice and at home care for terminally ill patients and their families as well as respite care. It’s a really, really important charity and it means a lot to me.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I’m a massive quizzer, I love quizzes. I love general knowledge questions. I love this kind of stuff, so I’m in my element!

 

 

Tom Read Wilson

Who is your biggest competition?
I think that might be bound in the tiny package which is Toyah. She is extremely zesty and dynamic and that is funnelled in to a competitive nature. She means business!

How much fun was it to film the series?
It was enormous fun. We bonded very quickly and furiously because you have to be hugely hortatory at the back. It’s like we all shared the same big royal box and we really got very involved and very immersed.

What charity are you playing for?
I’ve chosen a charity for whom I’m a very, very proud ambassador. It’s called Acting for Others and it’s a parasol charity that combines 14 boutique charities’ efforts to help people in the arts. From erstwhile thespians who are struggling to pay their nursing home fees to people that suffered during the theatres’ closure during the pandemic.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I’m not much of a quizzer. I think I’ve done two pub quizzes in my life. I don’t think I’m seasoned. Although I did win Celebrity Mastermind!

 

 

Mr Motivator

Who is your biggest competition?
Playing this game, what you’ve got to do is watch out for people who are in to competitions. People like Greg – very competitive. Dane – very competitive. They’re the ones to watch out for. Everyone else is probably there to have a really good time. But those two, they know that no one ever remembers who came in second.

How much fun was it to film the series?
It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it. I don’t usually get nervous but there was a bit of tension. But at the same time, there was a bit of sneaky looking behind and trying to see whether people were going to grab the bag or not.

What charity are you playing for?
At one stage in my life, I was homeless. Mr Motivator’s charitable trust has been set up to help those smaller charities who don’t get a look in when it comes to promotion and raising funds. We choose a charity in the back of the UK who are doing a lot of good for homeless and we donate some money to them.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I’m not a good quizzer, I really don’t watch a lot of television. There’s lots of questions I could get asked and I would not have a clue about the answer because a lot of our knowledge nowadays comes from television.

 

 

Greg Rutherford

Who is your biggest competition?
I would say biggest competition is Dane. Actually, everybody is competition for me. I have very niche subjects that I’m pretty good at and with general questions, it’s so broad. So probably in my situation, everybody is going to be difficult to beat.

The most competitive is Mr Motivator. I’ve worked with him before and he’s very competitive and a very knowledgeable man. So, he’s right up with there with the ones to beat. Kate is very, very competitive as well, she’s been chomping at the bit.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I am not the best quizzer in the world, I’m not going to lie. I always like to think I have a half decent general knowledge but every time I do a show that involves using it, I quickly realise I don’t. I do know some pointless facts, but they never seem to come up. I like to believe that I’m better than I am…I try hard at least!

What charity are you playing for?
Elios – a charity that helps women who have come from a really difficult background; some who have been trafficked; others who have been abused. It helps them during the final stages of their pregnancy and giving birth. So, they’re often they’re at the hospital with them going through the process because these are women that have got no one else. As a dad of 3, I’ve been lucky enough to support my partner through three births and could never imagine her not having anyone there. The work they do is incredible, very important and helps the most disadvantaged women in really difficult scenarios. They do a brilliant job.

How much fun was it to film the series?
It was so much fun to film this series. What’s really interesting is I got to meet nine other people - - one or two I’ve met previously and worked with - but everyone’s super nice, which actually makes it that bit more difficult. As everyone is so nice you don’t want to take the money off them, but you want the money for your charity! Seeing how quickly everyone’s come together and everyone’s supported each other is a really nice thing; I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

 

Nina Wadia

Who is your biggest competition?
They’re all my biggest competition! It’s such a random game. It’s not even so much about general knowledge, it’s just if the topic that comes up for you is something you’re familiar with. It’s not even like ‘I’ve got to get rid of him or her’, you just don’t know what the subject is going to be. Natasha is quite competitive because she said she is. And Toyah for sure! I don’t want to get a question wrong with Toyah. She stamps her feet! But it’s all done in the name of fun, which is lovely. The dark horse competitor for me would either be Dane or Tom. 

How much fun was it to film the series?
It’s been an absolutely riot. I couldn’t have asked for a better nine other people to be in a room with. We’re all very similar in that we laugh a lot. It’s nice when you do something - even if it’s competitive - with people that you actually like.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I am not a quizzer. I do these game shows because I know at the end of the day, I can win money for charity so it’s another way to win a lot of money for a good cause.

What charity are you playing for?
I’m playing for JDRF UK, which stands for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. My son got diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. He’s now 15 and they do believe there is a cure on the way, they just need the money to find it.

 

 

Dane Baptiste

Who is your biggest competition?
There’s not necessarily someone that stands out, everyone’s been quite competitive. Toyah has come out of her shell. Claire Richards is very competitive. But she’s very nice as well. She likes to have fun but also wants to win, which is the case for everyone.

How much fun was it to film the series?
Filming this series has been so fun. It’s been a really pleasant surprise. It’s been great working with all the celebs. I’ve been saying throughout the week that hopefully we can go on to work together again if not on Moneybags, then maybe some kind of heist for charity. I’m just putting it out there now that Celebrity Heist is my idea and if any other producers want to do a collab on that then let me know! 

What charity are you playing for?
My charity is ACLT – the Afro Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. They are a charity which specialise in providing support for people affected by blood cancers and they are trying to raise awareness to increase the donor register of stem cell and bone marrow for the afro Caribbean community, which is woefully low. We’re trying to increase awareness and increase registration to save a lot more lives.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I’m a good quizzer. I’m very much in to trivia. The way the Moneybags game goes, it’s very different as the right or wrong answers can give a lot more severe consequence.  I’ve done a few gameshows here and there and they’ve gone relatively well. My trivia is quite good, it’s about making sure I can apply it effectively when it counts.

 

 

Natasha Hamilton

Who is your biggest competition?
Dane is probably the biggest competition. He seems to know a hell of a lot about a lot of different things. The most competitive people are probably myself and Toyah. We are both big bundles of energy who are just excited to potentially win money for our charities.

How much fun was it to film the series?
I had an absolutely amazing few days filming the series. I am now exhausted, I’ve got a headache, my body aches, I’m just absolutely drained but it was so much fun.

What charity are you playing for?
I am playing for Melanoma UK who support people who have been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancers and they also educate people on the signs of skin cancer so they can be prevented.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I absolutely love a quiz. But as I’m getting older, I realise I’m actually rubbish at those quizzes. I think it’s just the excitement of taking part and every now and then you do find an answer that’s in there and it makes you feel powerful!

 

 

Toyah Willcox

Who is your biggest competition?
My biggest competition is Dane because he’s got luck on his side. As well as charm and being very brilliant at answering questions, you do need an element of luck in this show. The most competitive is Greg. He’s super charming, he’s so sweet. He’s a family man. But he’s an Olympian. You can’t trust Olympians, they’ve got that killer instinct!

How much fun has it been to film this series?
I really enjoyed filming this series. My first go was an utter disaster, I was confused by the names coming down the conveyor belt and I just didn’t pick up bags instinctively. So I learnt grab the bag. JUST GRAB THE BAG!

What charity are you playing for?
My charity is Pershore food bank. We are about to enter the autumn and winter months, food prices are going up and families are going to have to decide whether they can eat well or eat less and pay their heating bill. And for me, charity starts at home. Charity is within the community you live in as well as the rest of the world and I cannot watch people not be able to afford to buy food and pay for their heating.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I’ve won Mastermind, I’ve been a quarter finalist at Masterchef. I’ve won Ready Steady Cook three or four times. With me, I either have a great day or a really bad day. There’s no in between. My knowledge is very, very good, but it just depends on how the question is said to me because I get confused. I can’t do crosswords, but I can win Mastermind. Where this is very interesting in my case, I say to everyone out there who thinks you can’t spell, you can’t read, you can’t remember anything, you can but you just do it your own way and that’s what I’ve learnt to do.

 

 

Kate Robbins

Who is your biggest competition?
I would say the most competitive was Dane and he was the most brilliant. Greg was quite competitive and so was Toyah too.

How much fun was it to film the series?
It was great fun.

What charity are you playing for?
I’m playing for the Kinsella Trust, who educate children about knife crime.

Are you much of a quizzer?
I love general knowledge, but this is a whole different Moneybag!

 

ENDS