I’m no Egghead, but beating show terror proved well worth it

HAVE you ever watched a TV quiz show and thought to yourself, “I could do better than that”?

I can honestly say I never have, simply knowing the contestants on the brainy quiz shows such as Eggheads, Mastermind or (especially) University Challenge are way more clever than me.

They’re smart in a way I never will be — they know stats in equal measure about Mozart, Mumbai and Manchester United.

So, where’s this column going, you ask?

Well, when the call came asking if I’d go on a celebrity version of Eggheads, what did I go and say?

Yes! Yes to being terrified. Yes to surely outing myself as an eejit, but, crucially, yes to giving any winnings to a charity of our team’s choice.

That’s the bit that swayed me — along with assurances that in life you’ve got to “feel the fear and do it anyway” and that it would be “a laugh”. Was it terrifying? Totally! The Eggs — the team mere mortals take on during the programme, are made up of Britain’s best quizzers including Mastermind champs and winners of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

When it came to my turn, my mouth went dry and I wore an inane grin, hoping my brain wasn’t about to go blank.

The support of my teammates, fellow presenters collectively calling our group “With You In Five” buoyed me as I entered the Eggheads booth to answer my three multiple choice questions. Turns out we were all as petrified as each other.

It was quite something to see host Jeremy Vine in action — a polished pin of a man, with a voice that puts you instantly at ease.

The Radio 2 host knew the background of every contestant, asked us insightful questions and injected humour — he was the ultimate pro.

I’m not allowed to tell you how I did (but I don’t think I disgraced myself) until the show airs in the summer. And was it worth it? You bet! Conquering a fear and doing something you believe may make you look stupid, weak or inadequate is incredibly empowering.

So, bikini in front of the mirror, anyone?

Martel’s “With You In Five” team with The Eggs and Jeremy Vine.