And his specialist subject: pirates

Vic Reeves is to take part in a celebrity version of Mastermind.

The comic's specialist subject will be the golden age of piracy, 1680 to 1720.

And he will face competition from Janet-Street Porter (subject: British teapots 1735-1970), Dr Adam Hart-Davis (Heroes of Science and Invention before1900) and Jonathan Meades (English Architecture 1850 to 2002).

The one-off Christmas show, hosted by Magnus Magnusson, marks a return to terrestrial TV for the highbrow quiz after a five-year absence.

A show insider said: "Vic is obsessed with pirates after getting into the subject five years ago."

Magnusson addeds "It's great to be back asking the questions after a five year break.

"I can't wait to see how our celebrity guests fare under the spotlight sitting in the infamous black chair.

"Hopefully they'll be used to dealing with the pressure but if it does start getting to them, like I've always said, 'it's only a bloody game'."

The celebrity special will be aired on December 30.

Published: 10 Dec 2002