Out-of-work actor is auctioned for £1 (From Croydon Guardian)

Out-of-work actor is auctioned for £1

7:00am Thursday 29th March 2007 in

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AN out-OF-WORK actor who tried to sell his skills on an internet auction site has been snapped up - for a pound.

Andy Aliffe, of Maybrook Gardens, High Wycombe, has been working as an extra for six months, but in a bid for Hollywood stardom he decided to advertise his drama skills to a worldwide audience on ebay.

The 44-year-old opened the auction on Wednesday and radio station Mix 107, based in the town, became his proud owners on Thursday night after winning with its small bid.

But despite his low selling price, Andy said he was not disappointed.

"It was really just a way of trying to raise the profile and see what would happen. On the back end of that I had about 200 hits on the actual personal site," he said.

And according to Andy, his wacky, web-based CV has brought in interest from film and TV bigwigs.

He said: "I was able to speak yesterday to one of the marketing executives over at Pinewood, he gave me useful addresses for extra agencies.

"I have spoken with the production office over at EastEnders, spoken to an agency in New York.

"The story's beginning to filter through. Everyone thought it was a bit of a wheeze and wished me good luck. It's a way of physically trying to get work.

"I'm with some very good agents, they have done me well over the few months I have been doing it. You have got to find another way of doing it. It's a big cut-throat business."

Andy, married to Claudia, 33, used to work for the BBC as a radio and television producer but decided he wanted to get the other side of the camera. And he has already got some local stardom after he was recognised in the street.

He said: "A woman stopped me in Wycombe market, she said Are you that man that's on sale on ebay? You look much smaller in your picture'. I said I'm only going for small parts!'"

Andy has now relaunched himself on ebay and intends to keep the auction up as continuous publicity.