BBC Mastermind 2008

Considered by many to be the mother of all quiz shows Mastermind’s first three cerebral champions in the 1970s were all women. However, after an early lead, the torrent of female victors ebbed away. The BBC production team is now recruiting for the 2008 series and we would like to hear from women applicants. There is no money – just the kudos of being recognised as the UK’s Mastermind – that and a Caithness Glass Trophy to add to the dusting rota.

As is often the way, some of the best concepts are those with elegant simplicity – and Mastermind has a fascinatingly simple symmetry. Four contestants with two rounds of questions each. The first round is the contestant’s own ‘specialist subject’. This lasts for two minutes and is followed by a second round of General Knowledge questioning. The question master is John Humphrys – presenter of BBC Radio Four’s Today programme.

The opening strains of the music to this programme are unmistakable. Known as Approaching Menace, we invite you to follow in the footsteps of those all too few women who have gone before you…The black leather chair awaits…

Apply online: www.bbc.co.uk