Anne is compelled by the comedy potential of helium

Anne is initially confused by the task, until she notices the two lines of bunting. She then says that the obvious temptation is to suck the helium out of the balloon and talk like a chipmunk.

Anne uses the tape to attach the balloon to some of the plastic sheeting around the room, and then also places a sock on top of the balloon.

When the crane releases the balloon, it remains stationery thanks to the web of tape she has used. Instead of leaving it be, Anne decides to go over and start touching the balloon, before asking whether she’s allowed to do so. Tom Cashman points out that she definitely isn’t, and Anne is therefore disqualified.

Anne decides to cut off the end of the balloon and inhale some of the helium, before talking about the task in a high-pitched voice. Eventually, it becomes apparent that the helium is no longer having any effect, and she runs out of the lab.

In the studio, Anne admits that she’d just wanted to talk like a chipmunk and that, as a comedian, she is compelled to do the comedy that’s in front of her.

Anne is disqualified from the task, and so earns no points

(Written by JoGo and proofread by Karl Craven)

(Illustrations collected and adjusted by: David Fuller)