23 June – You seek out my thoughts

Is there an ideal age for taking part in our favourite TV show? Should you have already earned your spurs in the entertainment scene, or could a complete novice do it?

Obviously, those with experience start at different times, so a teenager could mix it with someone far more mature. In 1989, our friends in Norway sent the eighteen-year-old Britt Synnøve Johansen, who had already been in the business for over 10 years. Time enough, then, to warrant an appearance in Lausanne. She was hotly-tipped by the UK bookmakers – although they’ll always like an attractive young Nordic lady – so it came as a shock when Britt only finished 17th. Ironically, her biggest points came from Belgium, with her Nordic cousins just supplying around a quarter of her final points. This was a little harsh, but it can’t have fazed her. Britt is now renowned in Norwegian musical theatre circles.

Britt is 53 today.

Gratulerer med dagen, Britt!