New show to feature public, not comics

QI is attempting to become the first panel show to create a TV spin-off.

As the programme moves to BBC One next year, producers Talkback Thames have been commissioned to make a pilot of a sister quiz for BBC Two.

Provisionally titled The QI Test, the show is expected to fill a daytime slot and will feature members of the public rather than comedy panellists.

Stephen Fry will not be hosting the show – although no presenter has yet been named.

A show insider said: ‘The show will continue to focus on QI's unique brand of well-researched trivia with contestants being asked a series of fascinating questions from which they can logically deduct the answers.

‘The concept of The QI Test is to show that members of the public can be just as interesting as TV pundits. It also intends to celebrate knowledge rather than humiliating contestants.’

The show was created by QI and Blackadder producer John Lloyd, Dave Morely, Talkback Thames' editor of comedy entertainment, and Justin Gayner, a former QI writer and founder of men's video website ChannelFlip.com.

Producers are currently looking for contestants to appear in a studio pilot in mid-November. For more information and an application form, contact Willy Norton on william.norton@talkbackthames.tv.

Published: 3 Oct 2008