Fort Boyard was a hugely popular game show and a classic staple of 90s and noughties British TV. It ran between 1998 and 2003, and saw contestants work as a team to battle a number of physically taxing and fear-inducing challenges - including
Set on the west coast of France, it was hosted by Melinda Messenger and saw former EastEnders’ star Leslie Grantham play Boyard - the cruel and punishing Master of the Fort.
But what was it really like to appear on the show at its peak? One former contestant has lifted the lid on his experience, revealing the behind the scenes secrets from the popular TV show.
Joe Drahota was just 20 when he appeared on the second episode of series one back in October 1998. He was put through an interview process that involved fitness tests before bagging a place alongside his four friends.
He says filming ran over one day, and Joe, now 46, admits they were exposed to fearsome caged tigers who marked their territory by peeing around the bars.
His team emerged victorious, bagging £4050 in winnings. And he says it only took a few weeks for the prize money to end up in his bank account.
But while host Melinda was down to earth and friendly, Joe admits Leslie Grantham took his villain role to the extreme and refused to engage when the cameras weren’t rolling.
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Speaking in conjunction with Spin Genie’s AR Treasure Quest launch, Joe Drahota says:
What was the application process like?
“If I remember correctly, we went to a selection day in London and were put through a few fitness tests and chats. I honestly don't remember what we were made to do, so it couldn't have been too savage. Our team was from a health club in Newbury. Three of us worked as fitness instructors and the other two were gym members so we were all in reasonable shape.”
Can you talk us through the day of filming?
“We had to be up early for breakfast at the hotel. I remember seeing Leslie Grantham in the dining bit, but we were informed that he wouldn't want to interact with us as he liked to get into character as the Fort Boyard villain. He didn’t want to be friendly with the contestants. I have no idea to this day if that was true or just a convenient front for him to avoid talking to people!”
“We were taken to the island fort by a speed boat, and then met the film crew who had been there since sunrise. I remember seeing these massive caged tigers and one of them asserted himself by peeing through the bars at passers-by!
I think I was the first one to have a task to complete and was catapulted on a bungee cord into the air while trying to read a clue from above the fort.
It's a bit cringeworthy to think about now, but between each task we were instructed to be loud and overly-energetic. We did pretty well on our tasks, winning most, I remember. We got through to the final game, where we were all collecting coins which were later exchanged into a cash prize. It was all really good fun, plenty of jokes, and ultimately we came away winners, so couldn't really ask for more.”
Was there anything that surprised you about the show?
“I was surprised about how long it ran the reruns for, and how popular it was. I really don't think I expected anyone to watch it at the time, so the number of times people have told me they have seen me again on reruns is always a funny surprise!”
Any funny moments/blunders which happened off-screen?
“Watching people dodging the tiger pee was a highlight for me!”
What were your interactions like with the presenters?
“We met Melinder Messenger early on, and to this day remains one of the nicest people I have ever met. So warm, genuine and friendly. Leslie didn't really interact, other than when the camera was rolling.”
