TV quiz dunces have brains of a rocking horse

IF it’s an already mentioned beef, I apologise but why are so many contestants in general knowledge quizzes such utter dumbos? Apart from University Challenge, which is seriously erudite, and the general knowledge section of Mastermind which can be testing, many of those in the chair come over as short planks.

In the old version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, hosted by Chris Tarrant and now repeated nightly, a few clearly had good brains but some needed to ask the audience for help in working out the weekday following Monday.

Needless to say this category, a clear majority, left with a bit of pocket money, but nothing more.

Chris’s self- restraint was admirable. The same applies to Jeremy Clarkson’s modern version. Way out in the lead is The Chase, some of whose contestants seem to have learning difficulties, to match show host Bradley Walsh.

They are all carefully vetted before selection of course. The only answer seems to be that the franchises wish to ensure the absolute minimum ever leaves the studio as prize money.

Meanwhile, their income in advertising fees rolls in by the million. Perhaps the new boss of Ofcom would like to have a look at these scams.

For that is what they are.