Dale Winton death: Supermarket Sweep host 'avoided bailiffs' to get big TV break
The Supermarket Sweep host, who died last week aged 62, spilled how he almost missed out on getting his lucky break in 1993, after struggling to make money by selling timeshares in holiday apartments for years. The TV host revealed that at the age of 37, he was told he was “no star" by producers, despite spending more than half of his life in the showbiz circuit presenting low-key shows and a local radio show. Dale was first rejected from presenting Supermarket Sweep after producers also told him he was “too camp”. The BBC National Lottery host sent show bosses a clip of him performing to the camera, only to be told: “We’ve got a real problem with you, you are not a name and you are too camp.” Refusing to take no for an answer, Dale recalled his response: “I asked them to give me a proper audition, ‘I’m a professional,’ I insisted. ‘Tell me the style of performance you want, and I’ll deliver.'"
I said to them you should give me Supermarket Sweep because I am the best presenter that you’ll ever find Dale Winton
Producers snubbed Dale again when they gave the job to Keith Chegwin but later changed their mind and called Dale in for another audition. Dale revealed that he got ready for his audition despite bailiffs warning him that they were coming to his house after he failed to pay an outstanding overdraft. The host divulged that he put his financial troubles to one side in a bid to smash his audition, but it backfired once again. Dale explained that he was called “camp” by producers again, but decided to speak up for himself this time round. He said to them: “I can be as camp or as non-camp as you want me to be.
GETTY Dale Winton death: The Supermarket Sweep host died aged 62
PA Dale Winton death: The Supermarket Sweep host was reportedly turned down by producers at first
Dale Winton: A life in pictures Wed, April 18, 2018 Television presenter Dale Winton was famed for hosting shows such as Supermarket Sweep and the National Lottery Play slideshow ITV 1 of 14 Dale Winton on Supermarket Sweep, 2007
"I’m not Joan Crawford, but I’m not Arnold Schwarzenegger either. Between you and me, I’d quite like to be Diana Ross, but that’s another story.” Dale said bosses laughed at him, but he continued to make a stand. He added: “I said to them you should give me Supermarket Sweep because I am the best presenter that you’ll ever find for it. You’ll find Lord Lucan sooner than you will find a better host for this show. Do you understand?' “What’s more, don’t be afraid of camp. Women love a bit of camp. It will work. Do you hear what I’m saying?” Dale said he eventually left the room after being embarrassed by his outburst and was shocked when he later discovered the news he wanted. Speaking about a message from his agent, he said: “They loved you, you’ve got the job.”
PA Dale Winton death: The Supermarket Sweep host presented the show from 1993-2000
GETTY Dale Winton death: The Supermarket Sweep host revealed his money struggles before his big break