For all those people who have ever wondered what happens on a live TV show, or during a live TV show’s ad breaks, Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff is inviting you to join the studio audience.

The Wright Stuff is made by Princess Productions and is the most successful live daytime talk show on British television. I went along to be part of the studio audience and to find out how they are settling in to their new studios above Whiteley’s shopping centre in Queensway, London.

Ex-showbiz journalist Matthew Wright hosts the topical discussion show, which features a newspapers review, a panel of guests and input from the audience both in the studio and at home. On the day I was there Matthew was joined by Pop Idol winner Michelle MacManus, GMTV presenter Andrew Castle and respected journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.

I was called the day before my TV debut and told to meet Seyi, a researcher for the show, at 9am in Café Rouge on the 2nd floor of Whiteley’s, where free tea, coffee and pastries are provided for the studio audience. The 20 people needed for the audience soon started arriving and I happily munched a croissant as Seyi handed round a list of the day’s topics. For the next half an hour the group discussed the list and Seyi noted down any interesting opinions that could be used as audience input on the show. It was an effective dress rehearsal for the main event, giving us a chance to think our opinions.

The three topics up for discussion were the value of full-time mothers, the end of Sex and The City and the presence of fathers at the birth of their children. Michelle Watt, 26 years old, had travelled down to London from Glasgow to take part in the show. She said: " I came down to watch the show because I really wanted to see how the show is made and what goes on behind the scenes. You get a whole different idea of the show when you are there, than when you are sitting at home watching it."

The studio itself is very small and this surprised me, as it seems spacious when watching the show on TV. This gives an intimate feel to the discussions and helps to make the audience feel involved. The 60 minutes of the show seemed to pass at record speed and many of the discussions continued as audience members left the studio. Michelle Watt’s verdict was good. She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would love to come again. The topics were thought provoking and interesting points were made." Michelle was also thrilled at seeing fellow Glaswegian Michelle MacManus on the show: "I thought she came across as really friendly and natural."

The Wright Stuff has been at these new studios for only 3 months and the production team are keen to let people know where they are and how they can participate. If you are interested in being in the studio audience visit www.princesstv.com or call 0207 985 1927. You can also email: wrightstuff@five.tv Alternatively you can just go to Café Rouge at 9am on a weekday morning and see if there are any spaces!

And for those of you that are wondering what happened during the ad breaks, I was fascinated to see Michelle MacManus and Andrew Castle playing what appeared to be thumb war and Michelle autographing a CD for Yasmin Alibhai-Brown!

By Lucy Dixon

read our interview with Matthew Wright