I was in the audience for Question Time – the BBC has secret rules to control who gets to speak and Fiona Bruce issued us a stern warning before going live

An audience member on Question Time has revealed what it’s like being part of the BBC show.

The topical debate show, directed by Rob Hopkin, hit out screens on BBC One in 1979.

‘Topical debate in which guests from the worlds of politics and the media answer questions posed by members of the public,’ the BBC’s synopsis reads.

Since then, there have been more than 1630 episodes across 47 series.

The current presenter, who took on the role in 2019, is Fiona Bruce, 61. But before that David Dimbleby, 87, Peter Sissons, 77, and Robin Day were also hosts.

Last year, the programme was filming at The Hammond School in Chester, and a fan decided to apply to be part of the audience.

An audience member on Question Time has revealed what it’s like being part of the BBC show

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The current presenter, who took on the role in 2019, is Fiona Bruce (pictured). But before that David Dimbleby, Peter Sissons and Robin Day were also hosts

And the contributor, designer Andy Clarke, shared his experience on the show via his blog Stuff and Nonsense.

During his stint on Question Time, politicans Mark Harper, 55, Shabana Mahmood, 45, Carla Denyer, 40, and Elizabeth Saville Roberts, 60, were on the panel.

After turning up at the location and getting to know the other audience members, presenter Fiona, 61, appeared in the room to give them all some advice – and it’s not what you think.

‘Fiona Bruce popped in to introduce herself, tell a few stories, and encourage everyone to contribute.

‘Then, at 7pm – after being warned we wouldn’t be able to leave the set, so we should nip to the loo – we were ushered in,’ he wrote.

He also revealed that the Beeb have secret rules to control who gets to speak.

‘Question Time chooses the audience questions based on the number of similar topics submitted and whether they have been answered recently on the show,’ he continued.

‘They choose six questions, one of which will be used for an unfilmed warm-up, and then four or five more.’

Last year, the programme was filming at The Hammond School in Chester, and a fan who lived in the area decided to apply to be part of the audience (not pictured here)

He did put his hand up to contribute, but despite his ‘rusty orange shirt and a fresh haircut, Fiona Bruce didn’t come to him’.

Daily Mail have contacted BBC for comment.

It comes after back in June  YouTuber TommyInnit’s mum revealed what it was really like starring on Question Time – including her experience with BBC host Fiona.

The internet star, who goes by the real name of Thomas Michael Simons, 21, had his mum Sarah Simons in the audience when he took part in the show – and she went on to appear on the panel backstage during a recent episode of the BBC programme.

Last Thursday’s episode (19 June) saw the YouTuber, 21, Katharine Birbalsingh, 52, Adolescence writer Jack Thorne, 46, the secretary of state for science and technology Peter Kyle, 54, and MP Lord Willetts, 69, discuss on challenges growing up in the 21st century.

Sarah took to her X account to share how much of a good time she had while appearing on the show.

Sharing some pictures of her and her son in the studio, alongside a selfie with host Fiona, she wrote: ‘It was a surreal and wonderful experience to watch my lad be brilliant on BBC Question Time tonight. So proud of him.’

She added: ‘Obvs we did a few daft pics too. LOVE Fiona Bruce, she was glorious, and the BBC team was so kind and welcoming.’

Many rushed to reply to the tweet to share the love.

‘Absolutely LOVE this!! QT already my favourite Thursday tradition so this is a crossover…’

‘Totally impressive performance by Tom last night. Measured and charming, a great combination. Distinct lack of young uns. Blaming the tools rather than their application.’

‘That’s amazing! Well done to both of you.’