Mastermind makes a comeback

The intimidating quiz show Mastermind is making a comeback with a new host, the BBC announced tonight.

Journalist John Humphrys will fire questions at contestants seated under the spotlight in a new series of the popular programme.

He takes the place of former presenter Magnus Magnusson, who fronted the show for 25 years before it was axed in 1997.

Humphrys, a presenter of the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, said he was facing his new role with “slight trepidation” and went on: “I’ve spent my entire career trying to get people to answer questions who don’t want to answer questions.

“Now I will be talking to people who are desperate to answer questions.

“You need a slightly different approach. It’s not quite like doing interviews with the Chancellor or the Foreign Secretary.”

Humphrys, 59, said he was “gobsmacked” to be offered the job – and said he initially turned down the request because he thought he was being asked to appear as a contestant.

He praised the work of his predecessor, saying: “Magnus Magnusson was brilliant. I’m taking over from an institution. It will fun. That’s the idea.”

The show – which at its height attracted more than 22 million viewers – will retain its original format, with four contestants facing a round of specialist questions, before being tested on general knowledge.

It is being brought back following the success of a one-off celebrity edition hosted by Magnusson last Christmas.

The BBC is currently hunting for contestants and the series is due to be shown on BBC2 in mid June.