TV prize winner Lisa is no lemon on Blankety Bank

Blankety Blank contestant Lisa Russell (photo: Kerrie Beddows)

Lisa Russell (49) applied to go on the BBC show after her first brush with fame – going viral after she returned from a holiday to Barbados in 2021 with a surprise stowaway in her suitcase.

The mum-of-three was shocked to discover a lizard in her luggage which had survived the 4,000-mile journey hiding inside her bra.

Lisa, a beautician who lives with her husband in Thrybergh, contacted the RSPCA who came to collect the gecko – later named Barbie after the doll and her home island – and the story featured everywhere from the Advertiser to national newspapers including The Sun.

He has been a familiar sight in Blackpool through the years and many of you have seen him

“When the photographer from The Sun came to my house and I was telling him the story of the gecko, he said I had a great personality and I should apply to go on Blankety Blank,” said Lisa.

“I applied just for fun and didn't think any more of it – and then got on!

“It was a really good experience – everyone on the show made you feel so welcome.

“(Show host) Bradley Walsh was lovely – really witty and funny.”

The only downside was dealing with people on social media who misunderstood her gecko tale.

“I told the story on the show but it was edited - I had to go on Twitter to say I didn't deliberately bring it back and would never do something like that!”

Lisa faced a panel of celebrities including Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson, Olympian and broadcaster Sam Quek, actor, television presenter and singer Shane Richie, and radio DJ Remi Burgz.

And it was the latter who helped Lisa to her £750 prize after she chose the DJ's answer of 'juice' in response to the question 'lemon blank'.

But the trophy is her prized possession.

“You were given the choice of an extra £250 or the Blankety Blank cheque book and pen.

“I was not going to go for the money – I'll have the trophy for the rest of my life and pass it on to my kids!”