Comedian Alan Carr and Countdown star Susie Dent will help find the UK’s secret geniuses in a new Channel 4 competition show.
The six-part series made in consultation with high IQ society British Mensa, will see members of the public from each four regions of the UK take part in challenges testing participants’ brain power.
TV presenter and comic Carr, 48, and Dent, who is a lexicographer, etymologist and author, will explain the tasks and encourage viewers to play along for the show, titled Secret Genius.
Carr said: “I have never, ever been called a genius believe it or not, but I am fascinated by those people who do get labelled genius.
I’m delighted to be part of the search for Britain’s undiscovered geniuses alongside Alan
“Is it a gift, a curse, or a burden? I am so excited about Secret Genius, it’s going to be absolutely fascinating not only finding out what makes these people tick but also challenging stereotypes and prejudices along the way.”
Dent, 60, added: “I’m delighted to be part of the search for Britain’s undiscovered geniuses alongside Alan.
“The thought of meeting extraordinary individuals — who may have been overlooked in the past or may not realise the full extent of their talents — is hugely exciting.”
Kelly Webb-Lamb, chief executive of Mothership TV, who are producing the show with GroupM Motion Entertainment, said she was “really looking forward” to making the series.
She added: “I’ve now done a tonne of IQ tests… and can confirm I am definitely not a genius.
“But I can’t wait to find out who is, I think we’re all in for some surprises.”
Madonna Benjamin, commissioning editor at Channel 4, said: “We’re thrilled to be making this exciting new competition format with Alan, Susie and Mothership.
“It promises to be warm, fun and full of surprises – with lots of brain-teasing play-along too – celebrating the most diverse and gifted cast of British brains ever seen on TV.”
Members of the public are invited to visit geniuscasting.co.uk to find out more about applying to be on the series.
