25.01.13

An Economics student has attempted, and failed, to win the title of ‘Britain’s Brightest’ in a new TV quiz show.

Mike Brooks, 23, recently featured in the BBC One programme, ‘Britain’s Brightest’, which tests the nation’s most intelligent inhabitants and is shown on Saturday nights.

The show, hosted by sports pundit Claire Balding, consists of a number of complex puzzles and challenges in which only guile and cunning will guarantee success and the title of ‘Britain’s brightest’.

Speaking to Leeds Student, Brooks said “Clare Balding really is a cracking woman, we flirted outrageously on set.” Brooks, originally from Blackburn, describes himself as “really competitive” and cited his degree course as providing him with “really good analytical skills”, deemed crucial for the programme.

The show, which aired on January 12, began with a taxing spelling challenge in which Brooks triumphed over a self-confessed grammar stickler. The third year student went on to be successful in a number of rounds, coming third in a fiendishly difficult, mental arithmetic trampoline spectacular.

Brooks was later knocked out of the competition after a tough ‘Boggle-style’ challenge. Speaking on the show, Brooks said “Ultimately there were a couple of answers I should have got. I think the pressure got to me a bit”

“It was a once in a lifetime thing to get involved in, I have no regrets about doing it. I was just happy I didn’t make a tit out of myself by coming stone dead last.”

Words: Phil Mann