DOMINATRIX Anne Robinson is a figure that would strike fear into the hearts of most of us but for wannabe Weakest Link contestants coming face to face with the Queen of Mean is an experience they would relish.

DOMINATRIX Anne Robinson is a figure that would strike fear into the hearts of most of us but for wannabe Weakest Link contestants coming face to face with the Queen of Mean is an experience they would relish.

In a function room at Ipswich Town Football Club the latest auditions for the quiz show were held this week and a few hopefuls got their first taste of the leather-clad-lady's devastating wit.

Ipswich-based student Sara Youngs, 37, took time out from her studies and two children to have a go at becoming a contestant.

Speaking before the audition she hid any fear she may have had in a cloud of confidence.

Mrs Youngs, of Buddleia Close, said: "It would be a challenge facing up to Anne. And this experiences makes a change from my usual routine."

After the audition keen horsewoman Sara spoke of the barbed comments she had endured during a mock-up round of the game.

She said: "Anne was played by a young man but we all had to call him Anne. She asked me if I went riding because I needed to lose weight I said 'Yes Anne, but so do you'."

Another hopeful, 23-year-old estate agent David Farrow, of Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, was confident he could give Anne a run for her money.

He said: "I was once on BBC news talking about house prices. I enjoyed it. I like the idea of arguing with Anne Robinson and the cash would be handy."

Part of the hour-long audition process included talking to a camera about yourself for a minute.

David said: "It was quite difficult, when the camera goes on everything goes out of your head. "During the game the makeshift Anne asked me if I had died my hair. I think I dealt with her quite well."

At the end of the round the would-be contestants voted off ex-landlord Barry Grice, of Capel Drive, Felixstowe.

He said he enjoyed the experience even if he does not get onto the programme.

"It is no problem being the weakest link but I am going to have to brush up on Harold Pinter. I did not know his plays were known for their long pauses."

And what if he does get asked to play the game for real?

He added: "Well the prize money is not exactly a fortune although it might help with my divorce costs."

Surprising the audition panel by forgetting to bank any money whatsoever the eight-strong group must now wait a nail-biting four weeks to hear if they have been picked for the show.

With one contestant being called a 'lesbian cowgirl' and another referred to as a 'geek' thick skin is something those appearing on the show will need.

Assistant producer Sarah Crawford said general knowledge not the only requirement to be a successful applicant.

She said: "We are looking for people who understand that Anne is playing a character. It is only a game."