Last night marked the first episode of Celebrity Bainisteoir – The Rivals, and I’m the new presenter! I took part in the show two years ago myself and got to the final (I lost, but we won’t dwell on that). I’m a huge GAA fan too, so the first show was a bit of a big deal for me!
You’d think that my family and friends would be texting as the show started… “best of luck” or maybe even something like “enjoying the show” but no, instead they’ve ripped the piss out of me and my hat. Yes – my big Russian furry hat that I wore on day one of filming at Bainisteoir Bootcamp.
It was Friday June 15th. It was dark, dull, lashing rain and freezing. Our director Barry wanted to do everything in “real time” so there was no waiting for a shower to pass over. “Let’s get out there and shoot, forget about the rain!” Yea… fine for you Baz, you don’t have long hair that that frizzes up like a ball of mohair wool once a drop of rain hits it and most importantly you’re BEHIND the camera!
As the celebrities were due to arrive, a big dark dirty cloud hung over DCU sports ground. The new Bainisteoirs were grand sitting in their cars – dry. But I had to stand there and wait. I felt a few drops, so decided to run back to my car and grab a hat from the boot.
It all happened so fast that I didn’t get a chance to look in a mirror. I quickly asked the crew “what’s this like?” “Perfect” they told me, and I stupidly believed them. It’s not even my hat, it’s my boyfriends and it’s been there since last year.
Why didn’t I just use an umbrella? Because cameramen hate them, it blocks light you see. One camera man did allow me use a brolly AND keep my hat on, so the big furry Russian hat was simply providing me with some hair protection… it wasn’t fashion.
Mairead sporting the infamous hat on last night’s Celebrity Bainisteor
Anyway I shouldn’t have bothered; the dampness got through and gave me a volumized 80’s do.
Back to the stick… “Off to chop wood M?”/ “Nice lumberjack look there M!”/”Were you bear-hunting in Glasnevin?”/” Paul Cunningham wants his hat back” and my favourite: “What the f&*k is that on your head?”
Hey, it’s reality TV so I was being real 🙂
Next Sunday’s show is really funny – Paddy Doherty V Calum Best. Tune in.
M x
