Wiganer Barry's big audition on primetime TV show

Viewers across the country will be able to watch Barry Titler, who lived for 20 years in Higher Ince but recently moved to the Lake District, try and land a job as a fitness presenter on a shopping channel as part of new primetime programme The Big Audition tomorrow (Friday).

Other news: Wigan businessman died on sailing trip in GreeceBarry was put through his paces by Ideal World presenter Mike Mason in front of the cameras to see if he had what it takes to convince viewers to part with their hard-earned cash and buy gym and fitness gear.

Barry, who has also been a drummer and spent four years in the Army when he was younger, decided to try out for The Big Audition, which sees members of the public hoping to land a number of dream roles including a part in the West End and a Henry VIII lookalike at Hampton Court Palace, as he has become increasingly popular online with video blogs or vlogs about heritage and history or fell walking in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.

While he admits the role he tries out for on TV is somewhat different he hopes he will get enough exposure to follow his dreams and said learning about making programmes at professional level was a vital experience.

Barry, 43, said: “I heard about the show by complete accident as someone I’d spoken to a few times on social media said it was starting.

“You had to do a 30-second demo video and I was quite surprised to get a phone call back saying they thought I would be decent on the show.

“I went through the casting process and out of the thousands of applicants they put me forward, which I was really pleased with.

“The role on the shopping channel wasn’t the ideal choice for me but it’s a great opportunity for me personally to get some national exposure.

“My own vlogs are about history and heritage and increasingly about fell walking since I’ve moved up here. I would love to do something like Coast or Countryfile or maybe something like the programmes Guy Martin does or Fred Dibnah used to do.

“I’m hoping it’s a stepping stone into the professional world of TV. I was just my normal natural self so I’m looking forward to seeing how it comes across.

“You can never be everyone’s cup of tea so I never try to be something I am not.”

Barry’s audition will be shown in the first episode of the new series which is being screened on October 5.

Barry has been recording himself on video and uploading the results online for several years, firstly as The Wigan Drummer (a nod to his time in several local bands) and now as Average Joe In Cumbria.

He has also made a number of features for radio in the Lake District since moving to the town of Penrith.

Barry said filming in London was quite a draining experience, with participants being filmed from their arrival at the studio at 8.30am until well into the evening.

However, he said it was also a wonderful experience.

He said: “I met some really lovely and really professional people. They have also opened up the show to complete amateurs like myself who have no experience in front of the professional TV cameras.”

Barry Titler will appear on ITV show The Big Audition on Friday October 5.