DRESSING as mice and being catapulted into a lake are among the trials faced by suitors hoping to win the hand of a Horley princess.
Sophie Hale and her father Mike spent a week in medieval garb, putting eight hopefuls through their paces, to be shown on national television.
During the filming for the episode of E4's My Little Princess, Sophie had to watch as her dad chose which suitor would be eliminated after each challenge.
"It's good because me and my dad get on really well," the 20-year-old told the Mirror.
"He knew I would need to fancy the guy. He didn't just choose someone ugly just because he's a nice guy and would treat me right.
"I have had bad relationships in the past and my dad is always giving me advice, which I never listen to – and he is always right."
The pair, who live in Brookfield Drive with Sophie's younger brother Sam, 17, and older sister Emily, 22, filmed the episode in a castle in Essex after Sophie's friend convinced her to apply.
The highlight was a lie detector test where aspiring "princes" sat in a catapult and answered questions. If Mr Hale didn't like the answer they were cast into a lake.
For the final task the two remaining suitors sang a love song to Sophie from behind a wall.
"It was three-way singing," Sophie said. "I got to choose the winner based on their singing voice.
"I had to sing a bit of the song too and I can't sing; it was so funny."
Though Sophie was pleased with the final winner – whose name we cannot reveal – the relationship didn't last long due to it being a long-distance one.
Both Mr Hale and his daughter say they enjoyed their time on set.
"I did it because I thought it would be good fun," he said.
"We said we'd do it for the experience and if something came of it then great."
After her first taste of television, Sophie, who is studying criminology and sociology at the University of Portsmouth, would love a second go.
"It would be great to be on Shipwrecked, I think I'd be good at that," she said.
"I love watching people and analysing them."
The show will air at 1am on April 9.
