Is Bingo Calling the First Step to Stardom?

When looking back at the early lives of many celebs, it’s interesting to see how many have a past in the bingo industry, specifically as bingo callers. It’s not a huge shock as one visit to your local hall or to a live online bingo room and you’ll see the vivacious, confident personalities who take to the stage or screen as bingo callers. Here’s a closer look at some of the celebs who started out in the bingo world.

Singers and Musicians

It seems to be an automatic step, from bingo caller to entertainer to multimillionaire singer. Well, perhaps not but it has worked in some cases. From Westlife’s Kian to Simon Webbe from Blue, it seems boy band singers often start out this way. More interestingly the man of the moment, Gary Barlow, is said to be a huge bingo fan and has revealed that he used to be a bingo caller when beginning his career. He has shown his love for the game by including it in many big events in his life, including his 10 year wedding anniversary where he reprised his role as caller whilst playing the game with his family and friends.

Taking a different approach, Wayne McFarlane had his story covered in the press highlighting the fact that he was a bingo caller whilst releasing his debut single. He was spotted in a karaoke bar in his home town of Wallsend and given the chance to record his single by a producer out looking for talent.

The First Stage for Actors

As well as famous singers starting out in the bingo industry, actors have also been seen giving it a go. Shane Richie, now known as Alfie Moon landlord of the Eastenders’ pub, began his career many moons ago in a local hall before moving on the role of a classic bluecoat at Pontins. Could you imagine Richie using all his Cockney charm whilst calling out those balls, ‘cause we certainly can! Another actor who is a little bit more of an unlikely candidate to the bingo caller role is Russell Crowe. Known for his surly attitude, the Aussie superstar told the press that his very first job was as a bingo caller. He also admitted that he was sacked from the very same job for being rude on the job and calling out unsavoury bingo rhymes.

Online Celebs

Although it’s slightly different when they’ve already made a name for themselves, plenty of celebrities still show their love for the popular game simply by endorsing big brands. From Vic Reeves in a dress supporting 888Ladies to Peter Andre showing the love for Gala Bingo, it’s clear that the game is closely intertwined with celebrity culture.

BingoCams goes one step further and invites celebs to appear on their site and on their webcams as exclusive celebrity chat hosts. Much like compering down the traditional club, these celeb chat hosts are on hand to ensure the players have as much fun as possible and keep the games running as smoothly as they can. Of course when there’s a celebrity in the driving seat it’s much more about answering fan’s questions and just having a great time. Previous celebs who’ve hosted at BingoCams include X Factor singer Chico, Eastenders actress Brooke Kinsella and from Hollyoaks, Carly Stenson and Anthony Quinn. Although it’s not quite the same as calling out the numbers down the local club it’s still a fun and exciting way for celebs to get involved in the online gaming world, even if it’s after they’ve become a success.

Celebrities from all walks of life seem to be getting in on the act these days, even just for fun.  Footballer Nedum Onuoha took on the role of celebrity bingo caller at an event at the Etihad Stadium and it seems the game is so popular that everyone with an outgoing side likes to play the role of caller every now and again.

If you’re a budding musician or perhaps the next Hollywood star maybe it’s worth dropping a job application into your local bingo club. If nothing else it’ll earn you a few quid and help you build up some confidence but if you’re lucky it could be the first step to a career in the entertainment industry…….. Well you can dream!