Hi, Im a newbie here, and fascinated that there are SO many people so dedicated to the DOND cause! Love it!

My application will be submitted later this evening, so keeping my fingers crossed!

I have just a few questions that Ive often thought about while watching DOND, maybe you can help with? Purely out of curiosity, not being TOO optimistic about becoming a contestant! Ive done a search on the forum, and some questions have been answered, but Im not sure about these ones...can you help?

* The contestants obviously need to take at least 2 full weeks off work (or get child care etc) to be on the show, are they reimbursed for costs/loss of wages etc?
* Presumably each night gets pretty messy at the hotel, with that days winners celebrating...how come there are not more sore heads amongst contestants?!
* If not the hotel, where does everyone go in the evenings?
* Does Noel socialise with contestants outside of the filming? He seems to be in on a few "in jokes" from the evenings, or is that just via researchers etc?
* What is your "allocation" about bringing a family member along for your "day"? How many people? Do they suggest filming days that they should be attending? Not really viable to be at numerous filming days just in case its their family members "day"
* Do contestants ever discuss their upcoming appearances on thier forum?
*Are there any good posts/blogs of contestants experience on the show that you could point me to?

Hope you can maybe help me with some/all of the above! : )

Many thanks DOND Fans!

I can answer a couple of your queries, and have found a quote by ex-contestant Pat about family/friends which covers whether they stay at the hotel courtesy of Endemol.

Endemol don't cover any loss of earnings or other outside costs you may incur while being on the show (i.e. Childcare). There have in fact been a few contestants who have given up jobs to appear on the show as they couldn't get time off work! Your hotel costs and meals are covered at the hotel by Endemol, however this won't include your bar bill Unless you get a generous offer from the banker at the end of your game like a recent contestant did (Derek if my failing memory is correct )

Contestants do come on here and share more of their experience of being on the show, however they seem to be advised not to come on before their appearance on TV, and certainly do not reveal the outcome of their games as they have to sign a confidentiality agreement on joining the show.

Good luck with your application

Might be worth noting that everyone has until midnight TONIGHT to send off any outstanding applications - any received after midnight tonight won't be accepted!

I have a template of an application form I received via email last year (October 2007 version; the latest version which is an exact version of the one featured on the online database that closed at the end of last month) - if anyone has any last minute desires to apply, PM me and I'll email you a copy.

Don't forget - the deadline is midnight TONIGHT!

Good luck to anyone already applied or is still doing so!

Ahh, i was going to submit the online application that I have log in details for...can I only submit the email format application now? ...bit confused!

They won't accept ANY applications after tonight, so either emailed versions or the online database unfinished ones will all be accepted until midnight.

You sound as if you're having second thoughts on submitting your application!

Unfortunately can't really answer any of your questions, but good luck on applying and hopefully you'll enjoy the experienc if you do get through.

I sent mine, way before the deadline, now all I have to do is wait for a reply to see if I have made it on to the show...

No second thoughts! Just one of those things I hadent got round too! Did the application last night....pretty tricky questions! Submitted at 11.55pm last night....think I may be the last applicant this time round! Fingers crossed, although I know the odds are against it! Thanks for everyones input....would be a great experience to be involved!