Only three people have turned down the red book: footballer Danny Blanchflower, author Richard Gordon and comedian Bill Oddie, although Gordon was later persuaded to appear, and Oddie later changed his mind. Noel Gallagher is also reported to have said, "Stuff your red book."
While 42 names have received the honor twice, only one person, Petula Clark, has received it three times: In 1962, 1975 and 1996.
Although Eamonn Andrews was the first presenter, he was also the first subject of the show, when he was surprised by the show's creator Ralph Edwards.