On the 22 September 1955, the opening night of Independent Television, Meg Smith beat 80 other aspirant actresses to become Britain's first `plug' girl - weilding a toothbrush in the 60sec advert for Gibbs SR toothpaste. The advert appeared first by chance as it was picked from a lottery which was drawn with 23 other companies including Guinness, Surf, Lux, Batchelor's peas, Esso, Ford and Brillo. When this was broadcast, the price of a peak time advert on Associated Rediffusion was set at £975 per minute and £950 on ATV. Advertistes on the first night paid a £500 premium which was donated to charity. source: http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/itw/features/Comm1.html