The show replaced a similar programme called ITV Playalong which was aired as filler on ITV Play when no live presented programmes were being aired (and continued to do so late-nights until the channel's demise).

During the Playalong period until the debut of the Bonus Ball Bonanza, winners won £10 if they had the highest score.

For three months prior to Play DJ's launch in November 2006, a spin-off began airing called Playalong Live.

The show was the same, but it featured a live voiceover presented by Nigel Mitchell.

Ideas from this period (such as the presenter and a live chat box which was introduced) were later rolled into Play DJ.