As I get older, I’ve become a far bigger quiz/game show fan.
I remember when I was a small child, I would sit next to Gran, as she indulged
her Countdown addiction, and tried to play along. “Dog”, “Cat” were my usual
offerings from the 9 letters on display, and weirdly for someone who became a
writer, I found the numbers round far easier. In fact, I still do! Nowadays,
its great fun watching Pointless or The Chase or The Answer Trap (it was great, recommission it, Channel 4!) alike and answering all the
questions the poor contestant misses, knowing fine well there’s a difference
between the living room sofa and the glare of the studio lights! I’ve even
started getting Sarah into quiz shows (she loved The Wheel, which meant I had
to tape and watch repeatedly a Michael McIntyre show) and she even helped vote
in the last UK Gameshow Poll of the Year. Did you notice The Floor is Lava drew
for 5th place in the new media category? That’s Sarah, as is the anonymous “wean” who tried
to repeat all the courses in our house during lockdown.
Despite a lasting interest in the quiz show, I’ve never felt able to bite the
bullet and apply to go on one, to put my chatter brain where my money would be,
if I had any spare.
