‘People know the show so we have to be wily to catch them’: 10 Questions for Watchdog and Rogue Traders presenter Matt Allwright

MATT ALLWRIGHT is a TV host and journalist, best known for consumer shows like Watchdog, Rogue Traders and Fake Britain, in which he confronts dishonest contractors.

He’s also a regular presenter on The One Show.

The current series of Watchdog Live goes out on BBC1 at 8pm on Wednesdays.

How does dealing with conmen affect you?

I’ve become philosophical rather than cynical. I want to know more about what’s happened in these people’s lives to make them think it’s fine to support their kids by stealing from others.

Are dishonest traders wising up to you now?

It doesn’t get any easier. People know the show so we have to be wily to catch them. We don’t go after individuals, though, unless it’s someone who just takes money and does a runner.

How do the shows affect your home life?

I have the utmost respect for honest tradesmen who have spent years learning their craft, but I can never get them to do jobs in my house because they always think I’m setting them up.

Does your wife watch the shows?

Yes, but never live, only afterwards when she knows everything’s OK.

Are you an adrenaline junkie?

In some ways, yes. I like stress more than is good for me. I enjoy the confrontations, especially when we nail the story. But over time I find I’m needing that stress level less and less.

When have you been most fearful?

We filmed at a puppy farm which was along a narrow road. We had bricks thrown at us so we raced back to find the road blocked by a van full of guys. That was dangerous. Thankfully I’d called the police beforehand.

What gives you most pleasure about the job?

When I write a script that makes me laugh, then I send it to the show with a note saying: “I need a half-sized resin dog, a lawyer’s wig and a Rick Astley lookalike for this.” Thinking of the producer’s face when that arrives is priceless.

You’re a musician too?

I play pedal steel guitar in a group called The Band Of Hope. But I’m not in the limelight. A friend saw me on stage recently and said I look a completely different person. I’m at the back, happy to wait my turn, with the attention off me.

What’s your karaoke song?

A Good Year For The Roses by George Jones.

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?

I’d walk the dog, play tennis, have a barbecue, then put on a gig with my band, plus The Specials, and the Emmylou Harris group with Albert Lee and Lloyd Green. My motto is “don’t muck about”, because an afterlife would be nice, but it’s unlikely.