Question Author
This show is recorded a month or so in advance. My daughter was on the phone to someone in Cornwall and they asked her if she had seen that particular days show, which we had. Apparantly the contestant that day, lived next door to the person who was on the phone to our daughter and she had told her that the show that she had been on was six weeks old, but they're asked not to release information.
Regarding Noel referring to the day, clearly he is, and so is the audience, told that the show will be transmitted on say a Thursday. Hence him making the beleivable comments.
Regarding filming. It is my understanding that all contestants are accommodated in a hotel on Sunday night and on the next two days, they record six shows. You will have noticed that the majority of the audience wear black, that is so no one item of clothing stands out and can be remembered as they use the same crowd, just move'em about.
As for the phone-in. During the 45 mins the show is being transmitted, you can phone in. All calls are retained for the eventual draw at the end of the show. A random box is chosen and presumably someone or a computer randomly selects a name. That name is NEVER transmitted, they simply produce it on screen and Noel NEVER makes reference as to who it is.