Danny Howard presents highlights from the Scott Mills Show’s nationwide “One Night with Laura” tour bus, hunting for Laura’s ideal boyfriend across Southampton, Cardiff, Nottingham, Newcastle and Glasgow — featuring peculiar talents like Big Norm, who somehow produces music by slapping his head and manipulating his ear.
The show is in the final week of auditions for “One Night with Laura,” a feature designed to find Laura (who works on the show) a new boyfriend. The team have been touring in a bus across the UK, and Danny explains they’ve rejected everyone from Newcastle — all lovely lads but none quite right for Laura, except one contestant Danny thought unsuitable but Laura really liked, causing a minor falling-out. Big Norm, from Newcastle, demonstrates his unusual talent: producing recognisable tunes (East Enders, “It’s Chico Time,” Match of the Day) entirely through head-slapping and ear manipulation. He wasn’t put through.
Also featured is Paul, an older romantic who attempted to break the world record for eating three crackers in under 49.1 seconds during his audition. Despite a solid performance (finishing in around 21 seconds), Danny felt he didn’t showcase enough special talent or romantic credentials, so Paul wasn’t selected either, though Laura was sympathetic.
Max, another Newcastle contestant, reveals he was entered on a bet by a mate and didn’t initially find Laura attractive, only deciding he “might as well win” after meeting her. Danny criticizes his lack of genuine enthusiasm.
So far, finalists heading to the London studio next week are James (described as looking like a “fat Neil Morrissey”), Garth from Somerset (compared to Ricky Hatton), and Ben (who plays accordion). The winner will be decided by radio listeners on Friday.
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