My Genius Game Journey (So Far!)

Wow. What a surreal couple of weeks it’s been! If you’ve been watching The Genius Game on ITV, you’ll know it’s unlike anything else on TV right now — part strategy, part psychology, part total mind-bender — and I’ve been lucky enough to be one of the eleven contestants in this brainy battle of wits.

Being on the show was one thing, but watching it go out on national TV was another entirely. Like the other contestants, I have been looking forward to the first episode, but it was episode 2 when the tension really started to mount. 

I watched episode 2 with friends and family at The Griffin pub in Isleham, Cambridgeshire and let me tell you — it was electric. Every time I turned over a set of XXX, the room erupted. Some people have commented on my “death stare” and others on “the wink” – both were intended to rattle my opponent… and maybe they did… but I promise, I’m actually quite friendly in real life!

Of course, not everyone watching from home has had the same reaction. One thing that’s become clear is how polarising Genius Game has been. Some viewers have completely fallen in love with the format — the strategy, the tension, the twists — and others found it all a bit confusing or intense. I get it! It’s not a “pop it on while you fold the laundry” kind of show. It asks you to engage, think, guess, and second-guess, just like we did while filming it.

That said, I was thrilled to see it discussed on Gogglebox — and even more thrilled that it was so well received! Hearing people say, “I didn’t think I’d like this, but I’m hooked!” made me feel like the gamble to bring something new and clever to primetime telly has paid off. There’s a real hunger for something a bit different, and Genius Game definitely delivers that.

As for me — well, I went in knowing I’d have to think hard, stay calm under pressure, and trust my instincts (even when those instincts were saying, is this a trap?!). I can’t tell you what happens next (no spoilers here!) but I can say that being part of it has been unforgettable. I'm proud of how I played, and even prouder of how people have reacted — especially those who’ve cheered me on from home or raised a glass at the pub.

If you haven’t watched yet, there’s still time to catch up on ITVX. And if you have — thank you for all the lovely messages. This game is just getting started… 

Alison x

PS I’ve been asked about my skirt in episode 1 and dress in episode 2. Both were from What Katie Did, plus hair flowers from Shazam.