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Sir Stephen Fry was left gobsmacked after a bold question about just what he would do ‘for money’ on national television.
What would you choose if you had the undivided attention of a national treasure and the power to ask them any question in the world – no holds barred?
That’s the premise of the popular ITV series The Assembly, which brings together a group of autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled interviewers to quiz some of the biggest names around.
Past participants have included David Tennant, Gary Lineker and Danny Dyer, and now it’s Sir Stephen’s turn as he enters the hot seat for a grilling unlike any you’ve seen before.
Alongside questions like ‘did he take drugs in the Palace?’ and ‘is he happy to be alive?’, there’s one in particular which left him nearly speechless.
Mic in hand, one young man, Jacob, started: ‘You’ve done adverts for Heineken, Alliance & Leicester, Twinings tea, Pioneer Hifi…’
At which point the acclaimed TV star, presenter, and author started chuckling, which only increased as the questioner continued: ‘…Walkers crisps, Marks and Spencers, Honda, Virgin Media, Extra strong mints, After Eight mints, Sainsbury’s, Heathrow airport, Directline, EE and finally, Whitbread.’
By the end of this unwieldy list, Sir Stephen had his hands over his mouth, his face red with shock at his advert-laden history being laid bare so blatantly.
That’s when Jacob delivered the final blow: ‘Is there anything you wouldn’t do for money?’ prompting the comedian to burst out laughing in astonishment, as well as the rest of the room.
Eventually, he found his words and replied: ‘Oh my gosh. Wow, you’ve pinned me there. I am a tart… thanks for reminding me.’
He kept the answer short and sweet, however, not shedding much more light on his motivation to traipse through the world of advertising.
It’s just one of several tough questions over the course of 20 minutes, leading to misty eyes, hesitant answers and plenty of laughs all around.
Following Sir Stephen is the former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, and fellow screen legend Lenny Henry.
The show has made quite the impression across its episodes, with Tennant’s turn tackling everything from his criticism of JK Rowling to the allegations against Good Omens creator Neil Gaiman.
Elsewhere, EastEnders star Danny got candid about the most difficult moments of his marriage to wife Jo.
Meanwhile, when the show was originally on the BBC, Michael Sheen was put on the spot about his own relationship with his partner Anna Lundberg, 25 years his junior.
The Assembly starts tonight at 10.05pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. The episode is available to stream on ITVX. Nicola Sturgeon’s episode will air on Friday, April 10 and Lenny Henry on Friday, April 17.
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