Josie will now represent Mecca at the Bingo Association Caller Of The Year competition in November
Mecca Hull’s Josie Douthwaite (second right), accepts her Mecca Bingo ‘Caller of the Year’ award from (left to right) Mecca’s director of bingo Mike Sime, events manager Kim Jones, former winner and compere Benj Maycock, Britain’s Got Talent’s Jonathan Rippon and Choriza May, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race(Image: Mecca Bingo)
A Hull woman with a “big personality, clear voice and ability to entertain” has been crowned Mecca Bingo’s ‘Caller Of The Year’ after captivating an expert panel. Josie Douthwaite, 34, who has served as a caller at the Clough Road club in Hull for two years, emerged victorious against top contenders in the national final held at Mecca Oldbury.
The high-stakes event brought together seasoned callers from across the country to demonstrate their expertise. A distinguished judging panel evaluated the finalists on personality, stage presence, calling precision, audience engagement, and additional talent. The panel was led by Mecca’s director of bingo, Mike Sime, alongside events manager Kim Jones, Britain’s Got Talent singer Jonathan Rippon, and Drag Race star Choriza May.
Josie secured the title by delivering a faultless game before energised attendees took to the dance floor during her performance of Abba’s Money, Money, Money. Her warm customer rapport and vocal talent earned high marks from the judges.
On scooping the accolade, Josie said: “I was so shocked to win because everyone’s talents were so great, it was a fantastic competition. A coach of 37 customers and colleagues travelled from Hull to Oldbury to support me. They have all been so pleased for me, they believed that I could do it more than I did!”
Upon receiving the trophy, Josie ran directly to her supporters to celebrate with a victory lap around them. With a background in performing arts and previous experience working as a DJ and entertainer across local venues, she moved to the bingo industry in 2024.
“I love getting to know the customers and having a laugh with them,” Josie continued. “I enjoy calling and the crowd can sense that, so they enjoy it too!”
Following her triumph, Josie advances to represent Mecca at The Bingo Association Caller Of The Year grand final in Leeds this November. There, she will face top representatives from major operators, independent venues, and holiday parks to compete for the national industry title.
She aims to emulate the success of her colleague, rapping caller Benj Maycock of Mecca Wednesbury, who captured the industry crown in 2022 before making appearances on national television, radio, and at parliamentary events.
Josie added: “I’m really looking forward to going to Leeds and I’m hoping that my customers will join me again. I’ve already decided what I’ll be singing for the Bingo Association competition and the outfit that I’ll be wearing!”
Andy Crump, managing director of Mecca Bingo, said: “Our bingo callers are the beating heart of our business and play a key role in delivering brilliant experiences for our customers. They create the atmosphere at every game and keep our players engaged.
“Josie’s big personality, clear voice and ability to entertain make her the perfect caller and we’ll be backing her all the way when she represents Mecca at The Bingo Association Caller Of The Year competition in November.”
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