Being new to the forum can I ask how far in advance the shows are recorded and how to they stop contestants spilling the beans about their wins

I can answer part 1! They are currently filming September games so 6 months ahead!

It varies depending upon which time of year in the filming cycle,
but I've been to recordings that took place anywhere from 3-6 months before airing.

The contestants have to sign a confidentiality clause in their contracts.

Yep. Noel confirmed live on GMTV yesterday -- http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=33985 -- that they're recording September games right now.

Audience members have to sign a confidentiality agreement, promising that they won't reveal any details about the recordings in advance of the programme being broadcast, before they're allowed into the studios. I'd imagine that contestants have a similar agreement they'd have to sign.

It varies, you can usually rely on our wonderful StatsMan, MisterAl and collydolly to provide rough schedules as they practically have a second home down in Bristol! They're down there that often!!!

As for the other bit, everyone (contestant, audience member etc) must sign a Deed of Confidentiality upon entering the studio. But I guess for the actual contestants, especially because most of them like to share their experiences and what they won with their family and close friends etc), I guess they just keep it to within the sensible boundaries.

I hate spoilers so I am very pleased when people keep mum

Great vid that H.

Noel (talking about the banker): He's not morally corrupt, he's just evil.

MisterAl posted it.

Yeah, but maybe bb67 wanted you to watch it too.

You know why that was? He has your pic as his avatar, so without thinking i posted the above.

Yeah, I think H did somehow creep into shot in that picture of me. He gets everywhere.

haha. apologies for the confusion guys.

To be fair, I keep seeing MisterAl's posts and thinking "I didn't post that"! Unfortunately he's succumbed to the Maud / Aaron Brock fetish of having a picture containing mostly me as his avatar.

And for those who don't know what MisterAl (whose real name is Dick Strawbridge) looks like, here's a pic of him (which I think should be his avatar personally):