'Should I do more ‘fun telly’ on top?' blog discussion

RabbitMad

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

How about Celebrity WifeSwap?

As an aside I wonder how many viewers were disappointed the first time they watched wife swap, having tuned in exoecting the other kind of wife swap?

nej

I'd like to see you as the guest on Top Gear!

Androcles

I woul counsel no, Martin. We are now in a financially serious situation and if the political parties are coming to talk to you, as well as other serious bodies, then this is a time for gravitas. Not only are you an educator but also a champion for many of us who don't have the range of skills on financial matters and I for one would prefer to see you as a big hitter for the consumer. You don't want to find the people you may argue with or wish to influence belittling you over some appearance on a mad or dumbed down TV show.

Your USP is your knowledge and the perception that you know what you are talking about - Doing the fun stuff may make the powers that be treat you less seriously.

Best wishes

A.

miss_moneysaving

HI, this is my first post - I have visited MSE.com many times over the last few months and while I have also saved money here and there, I feel mostly that the benefit has come through increasing my financial awareness. Some tips seem obvious on reading, yet I have never thought of them before. Equally, some things I would not have been aware of had they not been suggested or explained - probably because businesses do not want us to be aware of these things and take advantage of them!!

As the previous post, I believe Martin that you are a champion of people but equally you are a person yourself hence you may think some of the sillier shows might be fun- and you're probably right! However, I do agree with the general consensus that overall you are seen as professional, straight-talking and savvy and perhaps some shows would not show this side to you.

I think more light-hearted TV appearances would be good, as you said if still in context, because while you are a business professional as I said, don't we all like to have a laugh and a good time too?

And can I just say - brilliant website, by a genuine person. Excellent Martin, thanks.

Karmacat

Programmes that are about a *skill*, like Masterchef, I can understand, but any programme thats just about *being*, like any reality tv, would cheapen you, and your work, possibly beyond redemption - the tabloids would hunt you down, you'd be the story from then on, your own message would be lost.

Having said that: charity work like 'Millionaire', of course, not a problem. Have I got news for you? Absolutely, nobody gets flack for going on there.

MrsTinks

So long as you choose wisely and I have no doubt you would, then why not? Something like TopGear would be hillarious but also give a chance to explain what you do etc and no doubt you could have a field day with telling Clarkson that it's not really "a reasonably priced car" they use for the celeb race
"have i got news for you" again I think this could be a hoot
And charity appearances... I'm sure some sketches could be thought off with the likes of the Little Britain crew including you and moneysaving somehow
The advantage is that you might become visible to people who don't watch IPTW and heck anyone who googles you ends up here If it gets 1 or 2 desperate people to come to the forums for help then it'll have been worth it won't it?

Clariman

Hi Martin,

I would say that it depends on what you want out of life and your career. You are clearly a very driven person who is very capable and I suspect (having met you) that you are the sort of person who has some degree of a life-plan (unlike me!). So, if doing more general and 'fun' presenting is where you want to go or is something that is supportive of your life-plan then go for it.

If it is not supportive of where you want to head but you would enjoy it or would like the additional profile that it would give you, then it may still be worth doing. However, you need to weigh up the time and commitment of doing that versus what negative impact it might have on other things that are important in your life.

I don't think that doing a "fun" show would detract from your current TV and moneysaving persona because that persona is down-to-earth and accessible anyway - with your GMTV, This Morning appearances etc etc. I write that as a positive rather than as a negative by the way. Perhaps it would be different if you were Gordon Brown or Jeremy Paxman who have a more serious persona.

Clariman

MSE_Martin

This is all very useful... im mulling something at the moment - (which for contractual reasons I cant say about whether i do it or not) and its interesting to see what people think.. THank you

faineant

Making the wrong choice of fun stuff could seriously damage your credentials for succeeding the likes of Robert Preston in due course! Never let past career decisions rule future ones but do make sure that new decisions don't limit your future choices. Good luck.

cheapscate

Why don't you do pantomime? You could play Jack from Jack and the beanstalk - he got a good return on his investment! I've heard that panto is very lucrative as well.