TV’s Eggheads finds new home with Channel 5

QUIZ show Eggheads is moving from the BBC to Channel 5.

The programme sees teams of contestants try to beat a panel of specialist quizzers in a test of their general knowledge.

The programme began in 2003 and current host Jeremy Vine joined the programme in 2008.

Vine announced the move during his Channel 5 programme yesterday.

“The programme which I’ve presented for more than 10 years, Eggheads, one of the greatest quizzes in the history of British TV, is moving to Channel 5 later this year,” he said.

Prospective contestants were also encouraged to apply to be on the programme during Vine’s show.

In a statement, Vine added: “I can’t wait to be reunited with the mighty Eggheads and see new teams try to take them on.

“I’m sure fans of Eggheads will share in my delight that it has found a new home on Channel 5.”

Channel 5 commissioning editor Daniel Pearl said: “I’m delighted that

Eggheads, one of the UK’s mostloved quiz shows, has found a brand new home on Channel 5.

“This is yet another step in the transformation of Channel 5 as it grows its audience rapidly.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We sometimes have to make difficult decisions in order to grow new shows and we would like to thank the Eggheads and host Jeremy Vine for their time on the BBC and wish them well with their next chapter.”

COASTGUARDS were called out after reports of a swimmer in difficulty in the channel at Clevedon – as storms battered the coast.

Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team was alerted at 6.30pm on Thursday, just as it was going dark, to reports of a swimmer in choppy seas near Clevedon Pier.

Portishead Coastguard Rescue Team was also called out, along with Portishead RNLI, to conduct a search of the area. During the search, rescue teams received information that the swimmer may have made it to shore independently and was safe.

Coastguards put out a message on a local swimmers’ group, to which the individual replied and confirmed they were safe.

The search was then called off at the end of a day that saw strong winds and driving rain batter the region.

The swimmer had gone into the water at high tide, which is the safest time to swim.

Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team spokesman, Andy Hughes, said: “There are some people who like to swim in the sea during challenging conditions.

“However, anyone doing this has to be a competent swimmer and know what they are doing.”

Mr Hughes said anyone entering the sea in challenging conditions should inform the coastguard.

He said: “Those wanting to swim in those conditions should call the coastguard to advise what they are doing.

“They should be specific about where they plan to swim and tell us what they are wearing.

“It may not stop the team from being called, but it will help us plan how we search and what additional resources we call upon.

“We would always prefer to be called and it be a false alarm than not be called and the consequences be fatal.”

Anyone planning to enter the sea in challenging conditions should call 01646 690909 to inform the coastguard.

Anyone who spots someone in trouble along the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

BBC Current host Jeremy Vine joined the programme in 2008