Invited to take part in “The Secret Millionaire”
I had an email last week from RDF Television asking if I would like to take part in season 3 of “The Secret Millionaire” that will be coming to Channel 4 in the UK later this year.
If anybody hasn’t seen this show before, the premise is that in each episode a different benefactor is given the opportunity to live ‘undercover’ in some of the country’s most deprived areas. They do not reveal their full identity and immerse themselves in the community for 10 days; meeting the local residents, making new friends, taking on jobs or doing voluntary work - all with a view to deciding who they believe is most in need of their support. At the end of their visit, these modern day philanthropists reveal their true identities to those they’d like to help and offer their time, their skills and their financial assistance to help make a positive change to people’s circumstances.
I’ve actually watched the first 2 seasons of the show and have to admit that I’m a big fan. I found it incredibly touching to see the impact that some of the shows previous benefactors have had on the residents of deprived areas. Its not uncommon for the people involved to be literally moved to tears when offered kindness and financial support from people who were strangers up until a few days ago.
However I politely declined the invite for a couple of reason. Firstly I’m not a millionaire, although I don’t think you actually have to have a million in the bank to qualify. Secondly I just wouldn’t be comfortable living with TV cameras around me for the 7 to 10 days required to film the episode. I’m more of an introvert than an extrovert and I know I just wouldn’t feel right in that kind of situation. So for now I passed on the opportunity, still a big thanks to RDF TV for thinking of me in the first place.
Watch clips of the previous Secret Millionaire series here.
What I’m listening to right now: Blackstreet - “Don’t Leave”. Oldie but a classic!
Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Welcome to my blog. My name is Kieron Donoghue and I am the founder of ShareMyPlaylists.com, ContentNow.co.uk and some other businesses. I thought it would be fun to blog, writing about my experiences in Internet Marketing. I'll include some personal stuff too, probably about my other passions, music and cars. Please feel free to post your comments and thoughts too.
Kieron, you must be the richest man in the village up North though.
Doug
Thats very cool that you got invited, maybe they saw “That Post” of your bank statement all those years ago
I would have been willing to play the part of the needy and help you share your wealth.
I’m not sure it is a good thing. Like you, I’m an introvert, and the thought of having so much of my ‘life’ out in the public for RDF to consider me for a TV show is an uncomfortable feeling. Good show though.
That programme is one of the best, heart warming shows I think I’ve ever seen on TV in my life. Simply fantastic and really goes to show there are some kind people out there (both the millionaires and the locals who benefit from the donations).
Next year Rodney….
Its a fantastic program, some of the local people trying to affect change in really deprived areas are utter heroes. I can see what you mean about the cameras though mate. Did you catch the series last year where 8 entrepeuners went to Africa on a similar tip? The guy who started espotting was on that (and was by far the smartest one there).
Good stuff. They’ll ask you next Doug.
Kieron, just out on interest - what did they offer you in return?
Perhaps if you’re “I’m not a millionaire” …not a millionaire you should approach:
Faking It
http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/F/fakingit/
I think with your car you would make a good fake millionaire, I would believe you!
Congratulations on being asked.
David - I never got as far as to ask them what I got in return. Maybe an hour long show all about you is the answer?
I wouldn’t have done it either. Not because I don’t have the cash in the bank, but because I always thought they had to cough up their own money at the end of the show!
It must of felt nice to have been asked. It is a great programme to watch, always remember the epesode filmed in moss side where the young ginger haired lad took the pee out of the guys car during the show before he got to see what he really drove.
The Secret Millionaire show this week was great the end of March.
The millionaire was a very nice man down to earth and very
generous. the couple who helped the disadvantaged kids and the drop in and the group against violence were great agencies trying to make a difference in their community.
The millionaire’s gift of generosity will make a big difference in those agencies and what they can offer.