Paddy McGuinness, 30 hopeful female contestants and a number of hunky males up for grabs.

That's what hundreds of people flocked to Maidstone Studios to see last night... before being turned away.

Long queues of excited faces arrived at the TV studios in Vinters Park to watch well-known dating show Take Me Out, but many were disappointed when they were told the venue was already full.

Applause Store, a website which provides free tickets to the filming of a long list of shows across the world including The X Factor, Catchphrase and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, distributed a large number of tickets to hopefuls wanting to see Take Me Out.

Those interested had to register beforehand and a confirmation email read: "Thank you for your free audience ticket request.

"If your request is successful we will send you a unique eTicket link direct to your inbox at the latest 4 days PRIOR to your chosen date. If you have not heard from us by then, it means you have sadly not been successful on this occasion.

"All you will need to do, is click the link, print your eTickets and bring them along with you. It's that simple!"

Those who successfully received them were told to "dress to impress" and that doors open at 6.30pm.

Hundreds of guests arrived dressed to the nines - some travelling from as far as Essex, Portsmouth and London - eager to take part in well known chants including the much-loved "no like-y, no light-y."

Many who reached the studio car park, as early as 5.45pm ready for a 6.30pm gate opening, were told there were no spaces left and directed to the town's Sittingbourne Road park and ride facility, just under a mile away.

A shuttle bus was meant to transfer them to Vinters Park - at a cost of £2.

However, participants were told by the shuttle bus driver the park and ride facility closed at 6.30pm and without a ticket a fine of £45 would be issued.

Disgruntled motorists returned to Vinters Park where they were admitted.

"All the evening staff at the studios told us that everyone queuing would most probably get in but we were one of the last groups allowed" - Stephen Matthews...

Guests were left waiting in the cold for nearly 45 minutes only to be greeted by a member of staff who announced: "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news guys, but all the seats are full for tonight's show".

After complaints many were directed to the terms and conditions on the tickets which state "sadly not everyone we send our tickets/eTickets to, including production guests, use them, so all television show tickets must be over-issue by a percentage to compensate for these 'no-shows' to ensure a full studio audience."

For many it wasn't a case of "single man reveal yourself" but "terms and conditions reveal yourselves."

Those who had seen the warning beforehand thought there would be a substantial chance of entering and others seemed well aware of the risk, but the long queue of guests who were not familiar with procedures were left with nothing but a disappointed drive home.

Stephen Matthews, who travelled from Portsmouth, said he arrived at the studios at 4.30pm and was one of the last groups to be allowed into the show, so for those travelling straight from work there was little hope of entry.

He added: "All the evening staff at the studios told us that everyone queuing would most probably get in but we were one of the last groups allowed."

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Applause Store staff said those who were unable to enter would be offered priority entrance to a future show.

Previous ticket holders have taken to the web to slam the company for its organisation and ticket distribution.

On one review website, Trust Pilot, Tracey Lushington wrote: "Wish I'd seen this website [Trust Pilot] prior to leaving for the Maidstone studios. Arrived early (not hours but as is a new comedy show & in Maidstone didn't expect it to be inundated.)

"Well surprise surprise we were turned away with the poor promise of priority tix for next series - if it gets recommissioned. Waste of time & petrol! This company is a joke."

Brian Foley also criticised Applause Store on Trust Pilot after registering for tickets at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, he wrote: "We printed our confirmed tickets and set off. We arrived at the time stated on the ticket but when we got there we was told sorry but they already are full and sorry but we can't come in.

"They said that we would get priority next time so we booked again to see the same show today. We got our tickets and off we went arrived 45 minutes early but yes you guessed it the same happened, got turned away and they are full again.

"We won't bother booking anything again from this so called company. At this rate they won't get an audience turn up. I suggest unless you live near DON'T BOTHER."

This is the second week running the company has been issuing tickets for Take Me Out.

Applause Store has been approached for a comment.

Were you turned away from the show last night? Let us know at messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk