ITV Golden Balls star who was savagely robbed of jackpot has very different life now
A reality show contestant who swindled her co-star out of a hefty cash prize is now living a life of luxury, while her former competitor struggles to get by. Golden Balls, a high-stakes game show that aired on ITV from 2007 to 2009, allowed contestants to steal the prize money from each other.
Viewers were left in shock 17 years ago when Sarah Mooney chose to snatch the winnings from fellow contestant Stephen Bushnall. Adding insult to injury, Stephen has since become an internet meme, with his humiliating defeat frequently shared online.
It's been revealed that Sarah and Stephen are leading very different lives post-show. Sarah used her winnings to improve her lifestyle, while Stephen has admitted to struggling financially.
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The Daily Mail reports that Sarah was able to transform her life thanks to the prize money. She was just 22 when she appeared on the show and decided to take all the money.
Sarah reportedly used her game show winnings to buy a massive £250,000 five-bedroom house in the countryside, reports the Mirror.
In an interview last year, Stephen lamented his missed opportunity, stating: "£50,000 at the time would have changed my life. I was in a lot of debt then and I still am now. Like a lot of people, I am struggling. Life is tough. I was absolutely devastated when it happened. I was in a state of pure shock and broke down in tears.
"It would have been amazing. It would have sorted out a lot of problems and I played the game fairly. And right now I am £20,000 in debt through owed money and credit card bills. The cost of living crisis has been very tough. But, if I had my chance again, I would still pick to share the money. That is the sort of person I am and always will be."
He also expressed disappointment with other contestants' decisions to "steal" the prize rather than share, criticising the shows format as cruel.
'Golden Balls' is remembered for its run from 2007 to 2009, fronted by comedian Jasper Carrott, delivering six series and 323 episodes within those years. Contestants could win anything from a paltry £10 to a life-changing £75,000 through the random selection of balls each containing various cash amounts.
The initial round of the game involved four contestants, some of whom would receive 'killer' balls that could eliminate them from the competition if opened. Contestants had to decide whether to tell the truth about their ball or lie, with the other players tasked with discerning who was being dishonest and avoiding any 'killer' balls.
Following the elimination of one contestant, the game progressed to a second round, featuring the same elements of cunning and deceit but with an increased number of balls. After another player was eliminated, the final two contestants combined the value of their money balls, which then became the prize.
In the concluding round, the remaining players had the option to either share the prize or steal it. The show faced criticism upon its release, with psychologists arguing that it promoted dishonesty.
Despite this, the series struggled to attract viewers, garnering only between one and two million viewers, leading to its cancellation after two and a half years.
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