TV Anne is stopped by Eunice, 71
Stern-faced Weakest Link presenter Anne Robinson met her match when Black Country pensioner Eunice Parry took part in the BBC TV quiz show.
Eunice, aged 71, said: "When she spoke to me she started falling about and asked for filming to stop, saying 'I can't be seen laughing like this!' I was told after that it was very rare for her to laugh like that."
The show is screened on Wednesday, although it was filmed in October. Eunice, of Linthouse Lane, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton said: "Anne was so professional and poised, she was great.
"I have always watched the show. I was on the bus when I found out and I honestly couldn't believe it."
After applying for the show last year Eunice filmed a mock round of the game at a hotel in Birmingham with about 13 others. Three days later she got a call to say she could take part in the real thing at Pinewood Studios, Berkshire.
"After a few minutes of nerves I relaxed and enjoyed it all.
"It was over in a flash. There were three others left when I got sent off but I did OK and I had a marvellous time. I wish could take part again," she said.
Eunice has been a fan of Anne since seeing her present Watchdog and took a copy of the host's autobiography along to get it signed.
"She sent it back to me with a lovely message, saying I was a terrific sport. Anne can be a bit sharp but she is very clever, she keeps the show going. She has always got something to come back with," said Eunice. "I made her laugh with a story about my mother and her stairlift, I think it just tickled her."
Eunice's family will watch her next week. She has a son in Germany, another in Tettenhall and a daughter in Heath Hayes. Her mother, 96, lives in Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton. Eunice said: "Being 71, I'm not very up-to-date with modern pop singers but I remembered reading a story about Amy Winehouse not being able to attend an awards ceremony in the Express & Star so I got it right."
