McEnroe to host new quiz show

John McEnroe is to host a new BBC quiz show where contestants are wired up to measure their stress levels as they battle to win a cash prize.

The three times Wimbledon champion will present 10 one-hour episodes of The Chair due to be screened this autumn on the BBC1.

McEnroe, 43, famous for his outbursts at tennis umpires during his career, was the host of the American version of the quiz show.

During the series contestants wore heart monitors as they were put under intense pressure.

They were subjected to sudden loud noises and shooting flames and a baby crocodile was dangled in front of them as the cash prize on offer went down if their heart rate went too high.

But the British version of The Chair will not be using stunts to unnerve those taking part the BBC’s light entertainment editor Jonathan Glazier has said.

‘‘Rather than putting contestants through any rounds that induce physical fear, the stress measured by The Chair will be intellectual and psychological,’’ Mr Glazier told the Sunday Express.