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« Last post by Sparky on 29. April 2024, 13:43:29 PM »
Chapter 15
Linda had dressed quite simply today: no false eyelashes like the other night, just a minimum of makeup. Hair held back in a simple ponytail with an elastic hairband. Jeans. T-shirt. Trainers. And, rather perversely, a pink 'CJD' hoodie that had been left over from the last tour! (With the band's name having changed, they were now pretty worthless, but heck, give it ten years and they could become collectors items!)
Linda parked her car: the building was in a not-so-modern bit of Surbiton and looked a bit dingy, but clean, and she could see that would help in making things a bit more 'anonymous'. She walked to the front door, where there was a paper note taped to the door: "Behind the Pipes Productions - ring top bell!". She did so, and very quickly she saw someone coming down the stairs. They opened the door to her, removing the sign at the same time.
"Hello Linda, come on in, I'm Trevor...". She followed Trevor upstairs, and into a small office, where a lady - Linda guessed her to be in her thirties - was waiting. "This is Viv, she and I are one of a handful of people who not only select but also know the identities of our celebrities."
"Hi, Linda, really nice to meet you - and I do like the irony of the hoody!" said Viv, offering a hand. "I hope you're ok with instant coffee..." she added. There was a kettle, some cups, coffee, milk, and a small crate - obviously to hold everything - on the side. It was instantly clear that both Trevor and Viv were completely at ease dealing with someone like Linda: they must have met a LOT of very well known people over the last few years.
"So, before we go in deep with the NDA, let me explain a little about how things work, and what we'll need of you. I've also got a couple of videos that have been recorded by previous contestants, which try to explain what things will feel like for you. Oh, and ask us questions at any time!"
Trever and Viv explained about the way the show was filmed, about needing information for clues, and then about the costumes. "I don't suppose you've had any thoughts about the sort of character you would want to be?"
"Well, not a lot... but I was hoping for something relatively light-weight, so I'd be able to move about a bit, maybe dance a bit. And something that's slightly... well... 'cute'!"
Trevor and Viv smiled. "Ok, well, we can show you a few costume ideas in a moment. First, can we show you these videos, to help you understand what you'll be letting yourself in for?"
The two videos were by well-known ex-competitors, and they didn't pull any punches. They included words and phrases like 'tiring', 'ruthless', 'expect to get bored, very bored', 'early starts, late finishes', 'you can only talk to your partner, and maybe 6 others at most, and then only when you're alone', 'you have to be completely covered up at all times' and 'it feels like a top secret military compound'. The final two comments were rather more positive: 'an amazing fun challenge!' and 'but I'm SOOO glad I did it, it was an amazing experience, so worth it!'.
"So, have we scared you off? Or are you still interested?" asked Viv. "We're both hoping the latter: it would be such fun to have a current pop star like you on the show. I mean, you'll have just come off tour, so they'll never think that anyone like you would ever be able too come on the show!"
"You know, that's so true, and I think that's what seals it for me. Teasing your judges and the audience would be such fun!"
Linda read the NDA: it was very simple and to the point: basically say NOTHING! With the NDA signed, they started talking about other things: what sort of music she would feel happy singing. Some of her life history, so they could start to work on 'clues'. They even took her basic measurements, then showed her some concept art of a few of the possible costumes. Linda rather liked the 'Miss Pig' costume.
"Hey, don't suppose you have some sort of 'Ninja' costume do you?" asked Linda, thinking aloud.
"No, but I do like the idea!".
They chatted more.
"So, about your 'appearance fees'.... " started Trevor.
"Yeah, about that," interrupted Linda. "I get the feeling that, because of my 'status', you might be looking to offer me more than the others, to persuade me to come on board. But I don't think that's right, if anyone were to find out, it could get awkward for everyone. I'm sure you guys have a standard fee you pay, and I'll be ok with that."
"You're sure?"
"Yup! By the way, how DID you get hold of my number?"
"Oh, that was me..." said Viv. "A friend of mine knows Callum Stevens, so I spun her a story about wanting to ask you about someone you might have worked with, background for a new show."
Linda smiled. "Nice idea, and yeah, I can appreciate that Callum would be ok giving you my number for that."
She went and sat down in her car. Oh my goodness! What HAD she just agreed to? Yes, ok, she appreciated that it still might not happen for a load of reasons, but wow, it would be such fun to do it. It was just unfortunate that she wouldn't be able to tell ANYONE a thing - that was going to be the hardest bit.
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