DAVID ST JOHN - TV QUIZ SHOW FREAK!

This is now available in paperback @ £10.01 (free postage) or e-book on Kindle/Amazon @ only £2.99 - cheaper than chips! Much cheaper than a cup of hot Costa froth!

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August 2014

It's official! Following on from my 2013 national press coverage, I was contacted by the Guinness Book Of World Records, who accepted my claim and requested proof in the form of DVD footage of my transmitted quiz show appearances plus any relevant correspondence from the programme makers. I have appeared on 30 main shows but they count extra shows, by virtue of subsequent shows as a 'returning' champion etc. The original claim is for 36 appearances, and missing a couple of recordings, but hope to track down the footage. My entry was published in the 2016 Guinness World Records Book, published in autumn 2015

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/7000/most-tv-quiz-appearances-contestant

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In March of 2014, I was also contacted by ITV who were recording a new prime time four part series on TV quiz and game shows, so were well aware of my past history. I recorded an interview in Manchester, followed by another recording a few weeks later alongside Bradley Walsh with a special surprise feature for the show! My segment was in show three and you can see an edited clip on:

www.davidstjohn.co.uk/blog2014.html

"COME ON DOWN- THE GAME SHOW STORY!"

Presented by Bradley Walsh

Four part series-from Sunday 10th August at 7pm ITV

I recorded a 90 minute interview in March 2014, in Manchester, and was told they might scroll my 30+ shows on the backdrop (green screen). However, they only showed a short edit as time is always tight on these programmes.

The pub quiz was filmed in May and a genuine surprise for the pub crowd when Bradley rolled up, entered the door and asked if 'his team' can join in the quiz. We were there for a good 90 minutes, as we recorded a round and a short segment was shown. Bradley enjoyed it so much- he asked for another quiz round! Yes- we did win.... It was The White Lion pub Liverpool Rd- opposite Museum Of Science and Technology. Prior to this- we were hiding 'under cover' in the next pub up the road at The Oxnoble and had great laughs,food, drink etc

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Monday 11th August 2014

Daily Express

"Made it, Ma! Top of the world!"

(Jimmy Cagney - 'White Heat' 1949)

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/497922/No-question-TV-quiz-show-king-of-world

See: www.davidstjohn.co.uk/blog2014.html

The story broke!

Probably one of the most unusual TV quiz show contestants around! David has been in the entertainment business for most of his life, starting out as a ten year old rock and roll singer, before spending much of the Sixties and Seventies as lead vocalist/frontman for several pop groups around his hometown of Southampton. He did well with his education, in a variety of subjects, although being asked to leave his grammar school at the age of 16, due to an increasing interest in the pop industry, along with a general dissatisfaction of teaching methods. The next few years were spent in a variety of ‘day jobs’ whilst enjoying the evening delights of the ‘Swinging Sixties’, including working as a driver, tenpin bowling alley mechanic, amusement machine engineer, photographer, and a short spell as a steeplejack! (Really!)

Since launching into a solo career, David has been working the showbusiness circuit for some 38 years, with an all round mix of stand-up comedy, impressions, vocals and much more. He has appeared all over the UK and abroad, on the club, hotel, holiday centre circuits, as well as some successful cruise work around the Caribbean and Eastern Mediterranean. David has also performed alongside many top names in the entertainment profession, as well as a few odd TV appearances in various shows, but was always determined to get more exposure in a much different way! Thanks to his father, David had a love of books from an early age, preferring non fiction and his favourite reading was usually encyclopaedias, being fascinated by trivia and having a superb memory and instant recall, which would later be rewarded.

Apart from his beloved trivia, David has always been able to remember hundreds of song lyrics and jokes, throughout his long career, and many of his (envious) friends often teased him about this, although conveniently forgetting how beneficial this was to his career. He was then motivated by all this, being amused by similar comments, such as ‘What’s the use of knowing all this trivia?" The next step? Go for a TV quiz!

His first audition, back in 1982, led him on the long road to Norwich, for the "Quiz of the Week", and his first taste of the wonderful world of TV quiz shows, appearing on ‘Sale of the Century’. David stormed his way through this first experience, as well as having a few laughs along the way, being cool, calm and collected on the outside, but having a busy brain working at full speed on the inside! He duly won this show, which gave him the taste for future TV quizzes, the next one being a bonus surprise from the first one.

David got a call from Grundy Television, as they were looking for top winners, from the ‘Sale of the Century’ to take part in an InterContinental ‘Ashes’ challenge, between the GB champions, and their Australian counterparts. He was one of several all-winners, who were auditioned and then selected as a nine player team, flown out to Melbourne, on a Cathay Pacific 747 business class flight, with VIP treatment all the way! Limos at the airport, plus four star hotel treatment – what more could a quizzer wish for?

Unbeknown to David, he was not aware of his fellow contestants, or their prowess and reputation, then was seeded against one Daphne 'Egghead' Fowler in a preliminary heat, and the outcome can only be imagined! Having two weeks in Australia was more than a consolation prize, and upon returning to the UK, he then set out on a long trail of TV quiz shows – this is the full list so far:

(30 appearances at February 2013) 34 including follow-ups

1982 "Sale of the Century" Champion

1986 "Sale of the Century" *Australia* Member of G.B. all-winners team

1986 "Music Match" Panel game

1987 "Chain Letters" Champion

1987 "Winner Takes All" Champion

1989 "Keynotes" Panel game

1990 "Brainwave"

1990 "Star Quality"

1990 "Talkabout" Champion

1995 "Timekeepers"

1996 "Jeopardy" Champion

1997 "15 to 1"

1998 "Wipeout" Champion

2001 "The Weakest Link"

2001 "Defectors"

2001 "Number One"

2001 "The Biggest Game In Town"

2002 "No Win – No Fee"

2002 "The Machine" Champion

2002 "Judgemental" Panellist

2003 "Brainteaser" Champion

2004 "Memory Bank"

2006 "Rovers Return Quiz Night" Champion

2007 "The Peoples Quiz" Audition transmitted as part of the actual show

2008 "Eggheads" Team of challengers and tried to crack those EGGHEADS Read about this show

2009 "A Question Of Genius" My 25th TV quiz show! Three consecutive days

2009 "Wordplay" Live daytime word based game- runner-up

2009 "Wordplay Plus" Champion

2012 "The Chase" ITV hosted by Bradley Chase (series 5)

2013 "Face The Clock" Runner up - show hosted by Rory Bremner

I will be editing some short clips for You Tube in the near future so please check back here.

You can check out all of these shows on the UK Game Show website, dedicated to TV quiz shows: www.ukgameshows.com It might even set you on the same path!

Another site is www.quizplayers.com or try www.quizzing.co.uk

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

SALE OF THE CENTURY 1982 Anglia Television <<<--- Follow this link for full info page

My first show, was a great baptism into this strange world of TV quizzes, and it does get you hooked, as many fellow quizaholics will testify. This classic show was hosted by the brilliant Nicholas Parsons, one of the finest quiz show hosts in the business, although being just one of his many talents, which have kept him in the public eye over the decades, and he is forever being ‘re-invented’ and ‘re-discovered’! I have also had the pleasure of meeting him, on a couple of occasions since that fateful show, and you couldn’t wish for a nicer guy. His prowess as a fast-talking, but articulate intelligent quizmaster is well known– he didn’t want any waffle to get in the way of the matter at hand, and was keen to get as many questions in as possible. I was one of three contestants, including a very clever middle aged lady and a parish priest – what a contrast! Even funnier still, was when I managed to beat the vicar on the buzzer, for a Bible question – he was quite red faced about this, but took it in good fun - a nice chap. Just click on the header link to find out more......

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SALE OF THE CENTURY ASHES 1986 Intercontinental <<<--- Follow this link for full info page

I took a phone call, thinking this was a wind-up, as some person asked me if I was ‘interested in going to Australia’ – I know that some of my 19th century relatives were also ‘persuaded’ to go Down Under, albeit in chains! Luckily, I didn’t give them a mouthful, and discovered that they were auditioning a few Sale of the Century champions, to take part in an ‘Ashes’ type contest, competing against the Australian all winners. I went to London, and was auditioned, interviewed, photographed, then waited for the call, which came a week later – Yes!!

What a contrast to the low budget TV quiz shows, as seen in the UK at that time – the Australian version was a big budget production, thanks to heavy advertising and highly commercial television in that beautiful country. Nine of us were flown out First Class, on a Cathay Pacific 747, with the added bonus of half a day stopover in Hong Kong, which I spent wandering all over this vibrant city –amazing experience. One of the contestants, a middle-aged lady seemed to keep to herself, on the flight over, and spending much of her spare time, by reading reference books, plus listening to cassette tapes, which were obviously part of her ‘homework’ on quiz shows – serious or what?

After a few days of chilling out, in Melbourne, we watched the first recordings of the Australian champions, and they were impressive – one of them being a top scientist, so I’m thinking "Oh oh…" Time for our own GB knockout elimination heats, and I was seeded up against a bright travel agent, plus this aforementioned lady- none other than Daphne Fowler, whose reputation needs no explanation in here! Needless to say, she was far too quick on the buzzer, although I was milliseconds behind her on so many questions, and was therefore consigned to the audience seats, after a hectic few rounds, against this former brilliant and dedicated ‘Brain of Britain’ and much more- bless her! Just click on the header link to find out more...... You can read more on Daphne at: http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Weaver%27s_Week_2014-05-25

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MUSIC MATCH 1986 BBC

This was a great little show – a BBC panel game, based on music played by the resident Laurie Holloway band, recorded at the main BBC studios in London. This show was hosted by the multi-talented Barry Cryer, whom I had always respected for his own comedy work over the years. Again, he was a pleasure to meet, and we all had a few laughs on this show, which featured two teams - ladies captained by Liza Goddard and our male team led by Willie Rushton, another comedy genius! No prizes on this show, but a light hearted ad-libbing show, where I was able to throw in a few one-liners, some of which were edited out, in deference to the ‘stars’! I was informed, off the cuff, that I was slightly ‘overshadowing’ the celebs – a lesson to be learnt further down the line……… By the way-our team of three thrashed the girls

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CHAIN LETTERS 1987 Tyne Tees

Courtesy Tyne Tees Television/Action Time

Another successful audition, then up to Newcastle Upon Tyne, for show number four! Love him or hate him – the host was the much maligned Jeremy Beadle, but I enjoyed this great experience, and you couldn’t wish for a nicer guy, who took the time out to chat with all the contestants, to put them at ease (not me – Mr Super Cool!) He was the ultimate professional, and a superb quizmaster, who hosted this fast-moving word game, which was a very close show throughout, but I just managed to scrape in at the last hurdle, to be outright winner – what a feeling! I'm not that good on word-game shows as I don't do crosswords or play Scrabble and much prefer fast furious general knowledge quizzes on the buzzer.

Beadle was also a very clever guy himself, and we had a nice chat after the show about all manner of things, plus we also received a Longmans Dictionary which he is signing in this photo below

He also wrote a nice little message too: "May a bright star guide you always.......Jeremy" Nice.

January 2008 Jeremy Beadle sadly passed away after a short illness but left behind a great legacy. I am glad to have met him along my TV quiz path and very few presenters could match this talented guy. I am sure that Jeremy's own bright star is still guiding him and was a great quizzer in his own right.

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WINNER TAKES ALL 1987 YORKSHIRE TV

Look at me - always hugging the hostess!

Courtesy Yorkshire Television

Same year, and another TV quiz show! This was hosted by Geoffrey Wheeler, a well respected broadcaster, who actually devised this classic show, although only providing the voiceovers, throughout the earlier series, hosted by Jimmy Tarbuck. This was recorded at Yorkshire Television studio in Leeds, and I managed to win two shows, before stumbling on the third, due to a couple of silly wrong answers, and duly kicking myself in the process! Never mind – a champion yet again, and raring to go for the next show…..

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KEYNOTES 1989 GRUNDY TV/ITV NETWORK

Courtesy Grundy TV

Off to the HTV studios in Bristol, to record Keynotes – the first programme of a new series, based on snatches of music playbacks, with two teams of three people trying to guess the tune, in between the missing notes, as well as answering music questions linked to each round. This show was hosted by the likeable Alistair Divall, and was aimed at the morning television slot, being a light hearted fun game and giving us a all a chance for a few laughs. I was grouped up with two strangers, and one of them was a guy called Chris Marshall, who only lived a few miles away from me, in the Midlands – more of him later…

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BRAINWAVE 1990 BBC/ACTION TIME

Courtesy BBC Television

Brainwave took me to Liverpool, including a night’s stopover at the luxurious Adelphi Hotel! I competed against a rather pompous old lady who objected to my rather light-hearted approach to the proceedings during a small break. She managed to beat me on the final question, going onto the jackpot round, which she failed to win - this amused me of course. This show, hosted by Andy Craig, featured ‘celebrity help’ from guest experts on various subjects, who could be called upon to assist in any relevant question, including Bill Cotton Jr on entertainment, but I didn’t need help on that subject! Other assistants were Oz Clark on food and wine, along with Dr Stephan Bucwezi as the gardening brain, plus a sporting expert, and quite an interesting show.

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STAR QUALITY 1989 HTV

Courtesy HTV

This was a show that was more suited to me, being based on entertainers, who were put through their paces, on this showbusiness game, with a live audience, who also sat in judgement on the acts! Hosted by Gyles Brandreth, this show consisted of four entertainers walking round a floor-based gameboard, and answering questions, with a chance to do a short performance, plus a spot at the end of the show. I wasn’t lucky enough to land on too many ‘lucky’ squares, but did a small stand-up comedy spot at the end of the show. Who cares – it was fun! Gyles Brandreth has had an amazing career in politics as as well as being a prolific author, raconteur with many TV appearances as a presenter. Currently (2014) with regular slots on BBCs 'The One Show'. He had also just published a very entertaining book- " The Seven Secrets Of Happiness" and well worth a read- linked to his current UK tour

Check out his own website:

http://www.gylesbrandreth.net/

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TALKABOUT 1990 YORKSHIRE TV

Back to Leeds yet again, for a show with a difference, and a chance to team up with Chris 'Zippy' Marshall, from the previous Keynotes show just over a year before. This was a great fast-moving show, hosted by the multi-talented Andrew O’Connor, and we hit it off well, coming from similar backgrounds! The show was based on teams of two people, and each player had a minute to talk about given subjects, hoping to match ‘keywords’ which would prevent the opposition from guessing what was being ‘talked about’ hence the show’ name. Chris and I (both fast-talking players!) managed to unseat the reigning champions, and we went onto become outright winners of this show, which was yet another excellent programme with a difference! We also had loads of laughs, with Chris and I doing a virtual comedy double act with gags, impressions and plenty of banter with Andrew who managed to cope with the madness. As for Chris's nickname above - we did a 'Rainbow' skit and you can guess which voice he did well!

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TIMEKEEPERS 1995 BBC/ACTION TIME

Quite a tough game, based on general knowledge against the clock, and this show was recorded in Manchester, hosted by Bill Dod. There was some strong opposition on this outing, but still an enjoyable experience, as are most TV quiz shows – it’s great to take part, even if not winning anything, and I just love being on any such show – it’s quite addictive!

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JEOPARDY 1996 SKY/ACTION TIME

Yet another excellent production from Action Time, one of the leading quiz and game show companies in the business, and this has been my favourite show of all time, hosted by Paul Ross, no stranger to TV quiz shows! This was recorded at Central (now Carlton) studios in Nottingham, and was the UK version of one of the most popular successful US shows, brought to these shores. A game with a difference – you chose the subject, then got the answer read out, whereby you had to give the question which related to it! A very fast buzzer round, plus a gambling element as you could lose many accumulated points, if giving a wrong answer – even incorrectly worded in the form of a question! When I joined the show, I was up against two other players, one of whom was a lady champion, returning yet again, to (hopefully) go on to win a series of shows, for a bonus jackpot. Luckily, I was on top form, and went onto blast my way through the show, and racking up one of the highest scores in the whole series, as well as knocking the reigning champion of her perch! I then went onto stuff the next two players on show number two, but didn’t quite manage to sustain my winning run for the third show, due to some bad luck on a final question.

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FIFTEEN TO ONE 1997 REGENT TV/CHANNEL 4

One of the classic quizzes of all times, and one of the toughest! I was looking forward to this particular show, although knowing that I might be ‘voted out’ on the whim of fellow contestants. This was the start of many similar shows to come, whereby a player might be perceived as a ‘threat’, so could lose the chance to win, despite being a strong player! I felt unlucky on Fifteen to One, as my first question, cast by William G. Stewart, was one of those long-winded convoluted types that get you thinking all the way through the various clues, but result in a wrong answer! I much prefer straightforward quick action buzzer rounds, where knowledge plus that all important instant recall come into play, and I then fell at the first round hurdle, by getting my second question wrong, thus sealing my fate! One of those annoying questions, to which I knew of two answers – I went for the incorrect choice! I note that many well known quiz players have also fell at this first stage, despite winning many other shows, so this made it bearable, but determined to do well on my next bash! Fifteen to One was filmed at a small Wandsworth studio, to which I would return some four years later, with a much more formidable host at the helm…

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WIPEOUT 1998 BBC

Another great show, and the bonus of meeting my comedy idol – Bob Monkhouse, King of the Game Show hosts! I had appeared alongside him, several years before, on the Butlins circuit, as well as auditioning for ‘Bob’s Opportunity Knocks’, so it was a pleasure to see the master at work yet again. Recorded in Manchester, I was one of three contestants playing for a ‘holiday’, and enjoyed this board type game, full of tricky choice words that needed to be eliminated. A mix of knowledge and guesswork, that was lucky for me yet again, racking up another game show win, plus the chance to crack a couple of gags and a quick impression, thanks to Bob’s prompting! December 2003 - Bob passed away and showbusiness mourned one of its greatest stars who will be remembered as 'the 'Master' for a long time to come. Again, like Jeremy Beadle, I was glad to have met this real star and you could not have wished to meet a nicer chap.

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Michael Barrymore's 'My Kind Of People' audition in Wolverhampton

Linked to 'My Kind Of Music'-lucky I wasn't invited to his swimming pool party.....

THE WEAKEST LINK` 2001 ` BBC

Yes - one of the big ones! Once again, a confrontational type of quiz, that could see a player voted off, for the most spurious of reasons eg his/her occupation, location or merely the colour of a shirt! This was during the early part of this series, that soon became a massive hit, and one of the most popular quizzes of its kind, spawning many similar ‘nasty’ shows, that have proliferated over recent years. Anne Robinson was just getting into her stride at this stage, but I was ready for anything, having been a comedy entertainer for many years, with the necessary thick skin plus suitable answers to anything that might have been thrown at me! I decided to keep a low profile for this show, and travelled down the night before, then not deciding to mingle with any fellow contestants around the hotel, just in case I was ‘recognised’ as a possible ‘threat’!

On the morning, I strolled casually into the same Wandsworth studio, where I took part in the previous Fifteen to One, then faced my ‘rivals’ in the Green Room. I was immediately scrutinised by the other contestants, and a few light-hearted comments were made "Oh – you’ve been on a few TV quiz shows, haven’t you?" etc. We then traipsed into the dark forbidden studio, and after a few checks, we were graced with the presence of Miss Whiplash herself! No preliminaries – straight into the no nonsense game, and I felt good and confident, banging in the questions and some good banking as well.

Relief at not being bounced on Round One – this axe fell on some unlucky American guy who missed out on a couple of easy questions, but were UK based culture, which went against him. Then the crunch – I got a first question wrong, being a bit too hasty on answering a question, to which I knew the answer, but the brain told my mouth to spurt out another one, which was related to the subject. Kept at it, getting some more right, but then stumbled on a bad luck question, not aided by Ms Robinson’s pronunciation! It was an ambiguous-sounding question, to which I merely repeated part of the poser (more of a query) but was pounced on by the lady in black, as a wrong answer. Then came the voting, and I was surprised to have been voted out, despite not being the weakest link in the round, and got that sinking annoying feeling, as the votes were revealed one by one! I was confident of being able to stuff most of the other remaining players, but not on this occasion….. I was even more annoyed at not being able to have some fun with Anne Robinson, as she didn’t intimidate me one bit, and we only had a brief laugh, as I was given my marching orders! Who cares – it was a great experience and another notch.

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NUMBER ONE 2001 ITV

This show, recorded in Manchester, comprised ten players, who were to play against each other, moving up and down the podiums (or podia?) depending on the whim of fellow contestants – yes, one of ‘those’ shows again! Hosted by Channel 4 newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy - we were lucky enough not to have been asked to spell his name for one of the questions! Quite a high standard of general knowledge in this show, and some fairly tough opposition, whereby leading players could get his/her rivals voted down the line, and into the dreaded ‘elimination zone’. I enjoyed this fast and furious game, managing to stay in the higher positions, including the ‘Number One’ spot for some while, before being booted off, by another rival! I ended up a close second on this show, which was won by one of those nerdy ‘serious quizzers’ who spend much of their leisure time, doing big time quiz league stuff – yawn…….

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THE BIGGEST GAME IN TOWN 2001 ITV

My first ever ‘live’ TV quiz show! My third show in the same year, and back to Manchester for this midday show, with three players, and based on a bingo type game. Much of it was based on the day’s newspapers, so I had to brush up by reading through a few morning papers, which helped me to recall some really trivial nonsense of the day! This show was ably hosted by the smooth Steve LeFevre, and everything worked well on this live show, which certainly kept the adrenalin levels up for everybody connected with the broadcast. Once again, I was pipped to the post, by one point, and failing to qualify for the cash jackpot, which I could have walked easy, based on the questions that followed, but not won by the other player.

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NO WIN – NO FEE 2002 BBC/HAT TRICK

This was my first recording of 2002, but a complete waste of time as far as not being able to be ‘tested’ on my knowledge! An unusual show, recorded at Wembley Studios (The Kumars were next door!) whereby host Paul Ross was at the mercy of the possible jackpot winner, as he would only get paid for doing the show, if the finalist didn’t get their last question right! Another one of those shows, whereby other players chose those rivals to answer particular questions, depending on perception and stereotypes etc. I wasn’t selected to ask or be asked any questions until the last section, then being eliminated, by the fact that my opponent got a very easy poser to answer – so ‘David – Goodbye!"

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THE MACHINE 2002 ITV

This unusual show was recorded in a tiny studio, on the outskirts of Manchester, and was a straightforward general knowledge quiz with a difference. The contestants were sat in a futuristic cyber-style chair, facing a giant screen with the questions and multiple choice answers popping up, plus a ticking clock, eating away at the points and wrong answers that penalised you even further. The ‘host’ of this show was not seen, except for added graphics, and voice-synthesised at the post production stage – she was a sexy ‘cyborg’ who asked the questions, along with some gentle teasing should wrong questions be offered. Fortunately, the lady’s voice was ‘normal’ and heard but not seen, during this show, which was a fun thing to do – a show with a difference, but only being broadcast around the 1 a.m. slot. It was a straightforward individual quiz, and the show’s winning scores went onto a running scoreboard for the series, and I managed to blast my way to the heat winner’s standing yet again, whilst my rivals racked many a minus score, much to their embarrassment! April 2012- I am now starting to edit clips of my TV quiz shows onto You Tube and here is my first effort for 'The Machine'

http://youtu.be/owC_aSvCBXU

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JUDGEMENTAL 2002 BBC

My last show of this year was as a contestant with a difference - a member of the ‘Workforce’ – a panel of four, who were chosen to answer questions on specific questions by the two main players. The contestants were given very basic information on these strangers, and had to guess who might be knowledgeable on this very subject – again based on age, style, stereotypes with more personal information being made available. Hosted by BBC newsreader – the glamorous Sophie Raworth, who kept this fair-paced show moving well, along with some adroit questioning of ‘motives’ as each main player was asked to explain their reasons for picking certain ‘Workforce’ panellists. This show was recorded at the South Bank studios, next to the Thames, so offered a good day out, as well as taking part in this interesting show, although I would have preferred to play the game, as opposed to being a possible ‘expert’ on any given subject

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BRAINTEASER 2003 CHANNEL 5

Well here we go – show number 20, and my only show of 2003, transmitted LIVE in Oxford, at the tiniest studio imaginable (even the mice were hunchback!) This broadcast was hosted by the gorgeous Alex Lovell who did a terrific, but difficult task, with fast-moving rounds, ad-breaks plus phone-in players to contend with. She is one of the most competent hosts I have had the pleasure to appear with, and we had a few laughs throughout the live show and beyond. Not exactly my kind of ideal show, based on word games and anagrams – more suited to a Countdown or Scrabble –type player, although there was a fair element of general knowledge as well.

Once again, I managed to storm my way through this show, and managed to reach the jackpot final, but didn’t qualify for a high bonus, having got stuck on one of those relatively easy wordmixes, that just wouldn’t register with the old brain! Never mind – I was a champion yet again, which made it all worthwhile and especially on a word-based show.

Alex Lovell - Phwooaaaar! Click on this image for her own website

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MEMORY BANK 2004 CHANNEL 5

Back to Oxford again, to the same studio in which I won Brainteaser just over a year before! Memory Bank, hosted by the very attractive and capable Rachel Pierman, transmitted LIVE and one of those slightly difficult memory games, based on trying to remember some 15 'hidden' symbols on a grid etc. I did approach this game with some trepidation, as this was a slightly awkward short term memory-based shows, as opposed to my preference for trivia-based gameplays - mind you, I felt the same when appearing on Brainteaser just over a year before! This was to be my only show of 2004 although I feel that there are not that many of my kind of TV quiz shows around of late. Another aspect might be that my history of appearance can possibly have a downside, when auditioning for new shows? One has to put down any previous shows whenever going for these interviews and many a researcher has been stunned to see what I've been up to over all these years!

The odds weren't bad though - just three players and I was sat between two young ladies so that was a bonus ;o) My heart sank when seeing that dreaded first grid, which was the much feared 'smiley faces' board and my brain couldn't handle this round, although I managed to claw my back up in round two which resulted in a close scoring finish. Again, another good day out at the smallest studio in the business, and the show is now moving down to Bristol so it will be interesting to see any developments. This was another Endemol backed production and very friendly crew, researchers, assistants plus a few laughs with Rachel, so proving that it is fun, when taking part in any TV quiz show and a bonus if you manage to win anything. Right - that's it for the moment and now itching to go for whatever comes next!

Rachel Pierman Memory Bank presenter

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July 2006 At last - another TV quiz show!

Just click on this picture below to learn more

THE ROVERS RETURN QUIZ NIGHT!

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September 2008

Show number 24 and a team effort on one of the most popular TV quiz shows in recent years. Me and four fellow comedians take on the mighty

EGGHEADS

Just click on the image above or the link to read all about this challenge

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March 2009

Another milestone as I reach my 25th TV Quiz show and one of the toughest so far! Recorded in March and was transmitted on April 14/15/16 on BBC2

A QUESTION OF GENIUS

Recorded at BBC Glasgow and a fantastic production team who went out of their way to look after the contestants. Superbly hosted by Kirsty Wark and a very good gameplay which really builds - fast and furious with a slightly higher level range of questions than most TV quiz shows. I was away when 'Genius' was transmitted and unfortunately had problems with recording the three shows that I appeared on. Another contestant kindly sent me a copy of the first show but I doubt if I can trace the other two.

Not one of my most successful quiz appearances as I was up against a number of very good players in a fast furious knock-out elimination round scenario and just a few milliseconds behind other contestants throughout the first two segments. Many of the high standard players were ex university types and high profile professionals so quite daunting but fun!

Unfortunately, they edited out the first round due to the tight time limitations for the actual show that went out which was a shame as I managed to qualify for my three appearances by buzzing in to answer correctly which then took me into the next round. One one occasion, I was the first player to bash the button so quite chuffed about that but sad that they cut this all out. I will add more info + pics soon.

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June 10th 2009

WORDPLAY + WORDPLAY PLUS (2 SHOWS)

Show no. 26 and LIVE! A very good daytime show transmitted live from London's West End at 12-55 so a great way to avoid the depressing news!

courtesyWordplay/Channel5

I'm not usually into word based shows as opposed to general knowledge and trivia type productions, although I had been successful on Chain Letters, Brainteaser and Wordplay in the past. After applying and being auditioned, I got the call to say that I was selected and so made the journey down to London the day before in readiness for the morning calltime at the studio off Tottenham Court Road. Great team of researchers and a nice friendly mix of fellow contestants so it made for another good quizzing day out as opposed to the 'nasty' types of show in which players are pushed into voting rivals off for any spurious reason or who they consider a 'threat' We all got on very well and had some laughs throughout the day - this made for a good show and it showed as we faced the prospect of live TV.

Another buzzer to bash at the start of the show!

Basic idea is a mix of rounds with anagrams, word association although some degree of general knowledge is needed on certain questions. Hosted by the gorgeous Jenny Faulkner who has no problems with hosting a live show, which is no mean feat with all the different duties. She has to use autocue for part of the show, then her own question screen as well as talking to the players plus having instructions down her earpiece from the gallery but looking so relaxed and in command of the whole show. Then, in between the studio rounds, she has to convey the viewers' question on the phone-in side which offers a lot of money in return for the price of a call!

Game features four players at the start and this was our line up below:

Wordplay 10 June 2009

The 50 minute show sees 3 out the 4 players eliminated via the first three rounds and I made it to the final two up against the 6'5" Dan! He then went onto attain a higher score so then went onto the jackpot round in which a number of correct answers 'opens the safe' but sadly didn't quite manage this due to some difficult rounds against the clock. The eliminated players then return at 2-50 for a final short ten minute play-off round of Wordplay Plus so we had a break and then back into the studio for the last segment in which I managed the highest score thus qualifying me to return for another chance on the main show. Unfortunately, I was not able to slot in my return as the series neared the end of the current run but hopefully I may be able to have another go in the future.

With Wordplay presenter Jenny Faulkner!

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"The Chase" ITV hosted by Bradley Chase (series 5) - recorded November 2011 - transmission date Monday 6th February 2012

I will add info on 'The Chase' in the near future but here is a basic screenshot as I faced Chaser Anne Hegerty- the 'Governess' on my solo round. She is great fun and it was a memorable recording. Another team of strangers - me and three ladies met at the studio but two of the first players were eliminated by 'Frosty Knickers' and I was determined to do well and racked up £7,000 on my first round. Then had some fun with Anne, who offered me £30,000 which was very tempting but I decided to play safe and stick with my £7k pot. My first question threw me, as it was far too easy and I thought there was a catch so went completely off track with a 'dumb' answer that often comes out on many a TV quiz show! It wasn't 'nerves' but a genuine oversight as I only had a few seconds and maybe a mistake in pressing the wrong choice of the three answer buttons? It got a laugh and I was then more than happy to blast through the remaining questions as Anne could not 'chase' so I managed to get back to the players' podium! Benefit of hindsight would have seen me rack up the £30k, as I sailed through the other challenges against the Governess.

The other lady- a deputy head from a Manchester school also managed to rake up £3,000 on her round as well as getting back to join me for the final round. She was very bright and we did reasonably well and accumulated 16 points, but not really enough to secure a decent lead. Sadly, Anne was on form and managed to beat our final score with no decent fallbacks as she made a couple of mistakes, so we 'lost' our potential £10k winnings. Never mind- it was a great show and very successful over the last few years as a superb but basic format with formidable 'Chasers'. Like many variety artistes, Bradley Walsh makes a superb host and keeps it all going very smoothly with his humorous approach as well as being on 'our side' against these giants of the quizzing game. This episode has been repeated since first transmission and I'm often recognised all over the place as people come and ask me all about it! Not forgetting the fun of wrong answers - I should have got them right on the repeats!

Anne Hegerty and Bradley Walsh

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November 14th 2012

I travelled up to Glasgow and then onto a studio by the shore of Loch Lomond for my 28th TV quiz show recording and transmitted 5th February 2013. Channel 4 at 3-30pm.

This is the press release from Objective Productions:

FACE THE CLOCK

http://objectiveproductions.com/

Objective Productions are a well established company with an impressive record of great shows such as The Cube, Peep Show, Derren Brown and many more- see their website above

Funnyman Rory Bremner is set to front a new daytime quiz show made by Objective Scotland. The impressionist will host Channel 4’s Face The Clock where contestants have to figure out how long to stay in the game – a question which only the audience knows the answer to.

After four nail-biting rounds, the remaining two contestants will then face off against each other for the chance to walk away with the prize pot.
Paul Murray, co-executive producer, said: “By allowing only the audience at home to know what time’s in play, it’s an exciting game to watch and an absolute horror to play.”
Race The Clock will air for the first time next year.

I applied for this latest show and was selected for the usual audition in Birmingham on the 18th October. It was a combination of a general knowledge test, interview on camera and a runthrough of the actual game play conducted by the researchers- great bunch of people and we had a few laughs as usual! TV quiz shows attract thousands of applicants and only a few are selected for personal interviews around the country as they arrange auditions in main towns/cities around the UK . They like to feature a wide range of contestants by location plus a nice mix of contrasting contestants. It is an achievement to be selected for an audition, based on sending in the preliminary form and a further one to be chosen to appear. Then its a case of how well the actual show goes and if the 'right' questions pop up but with the gambles of being 'kicked out' by fellow players or running out of time as with many shows.

Within a short time, I received the phone call plus e-mails to inform me that I had been successful so then looking forward to yet another outing to take part in this new quiz show. The show has a very good format as the players compete against each other on quick fire general knowledge questions plus passing play to other contestants but up against a 'hidden' clock! The timer can only be seen by the viewer and both the host Rory Bremner and the remaining players have to take a chance on guessing how much time might be left so having to keep an eye on how the other players are doing plus any accumulated winnings that can be 'stolen' when the clock runs out! Very tactical game and great fun with the added 'pressure' that make for a good entertaining TV quiz show! As with most shows, I only met some of the other players on arrival at Glasgow Railway station, with a stopover hotel near to the Dumbarton based studio then the remaining contestants on the day of the recording- 15th November. There was no 'friction' as such- just good honest competition and we had some nice chat before, during and after the recording plus enjoyed the great help and company of the researchers, production staff etc. As with most 'long distance' shows, they provided the usual travel expenses, stopover hotel, meal and snacks/drinks through the recording day.

The studio was a large warehouse and very cold on that November morning! The futuristic set had the appearance of 'Tron' and looked very good on the day plus quite outstanding when seen on the current shows which are now being aired. Rory Bremner-terrific host and very confident, keeping the pace as well as having some fun between the recording breaks plus some banter during the actual game. Unlike many 'celebrity' hosts, Rory took the time to join us in the Green Room area before the show and chatted to us all, which helped to settle the 'nerves' for some players- their first ever show! Very friendly guy and one could tell that the whole production team enjoyed the recording of this brand new TV quiz show as they interacted with each other.

Rory Bremner

The (warehouse) studio could not be properly heated due to the massive size but the researchers and production staff helped out in between the recording breaks with large padded coats and hot water bottles to warm us up! At least it kept the mind focussed on the game, as opposed to a warmer studio surrounding plus an early morning slot! Rory appeared on a recent BBC 'One Show' and mentioned this as well. He was also aware of the players' backgrounds so we naturally had some fun by trading gags and impressions at each other in the breaks- he is very talented and one of the finest acts in the UK so it was all good fun for us all. The game commenced with a variety of questions and I was reasonably confident when knowing most of the answers throughout the rounds but having to concentrate on which other player had accumulated their cashpot as this could be 'stolen' by a 'killer pass' when the hidden clock ran out. Other players were eliminated and I had a rough idea of the remaining times based on the early selections. However, it is all a gamble when to pass play to another contestant as you have to think on your feet with questions, watching other players and their winnings at each stage, not forgetting the pressure of being timed out when the clock runs out and lands on the current player!

I managed to get to the last round up against a bright guy Anthony from the North East- he writes educational text books so I knew that he would be good from the start of the show and kept him within my sights! The final 'face-off' was a quick fire round of questions as each player started with 60 seconds on their own clock which ticked away as we answered each one. Get questions right and the play passes to the other contestant - get them wrong or pass, then that clock keeps counting down and this fast furious round was really good until the very last second as I got my question right but the final buzzer crashed in just as Rory started to ask the other guy his own question. He had faltered on a couple of consecutive questions and I thought I had it in the bag. However, I then stumbled on a couple- including one on the erotic 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' novel which is hardly my kind of reading! It was all over too soon so I bade farewell and headed back to the Green Room with the other players who had been eliminated plus others who were waiting for their own show later in the day (I think they recorded 3 or 4 shows per day) Commiserations all round and then Anthony played his final countdown of a 60 second time to answer 5 questions for his accumulated winnings of £1800. As the clock ticked down, the money reduced and dropped down and needed the right answers and quickly. Sadly, his clock ran out so no money was left for him. Ironically, having just watched the actual transmission, I would have won the whole lot! Grrrrrrrrrrrr.....never mind, as it was great fun as usual and I am proud to have made the final, as opposed to being knocked out in the early stages so it gives the incentive to try again on yet another TV quiz show! Watch this space...

On my way out to be taken back to Glasgow for the train, one of the production staff approached me as he picked up on my interview with Rory on the subject of my early Southampton years in showbusiness- back to the late 50s when I started singing at rock n roll dances followed by my 60s pop group years. It transpired that he is a distant relative and I'm hoping to hear from him sometime. You never know what will come out of anything in life and if YOU fancy a crack at any TV quiz shows then good luck to you! We might even face each other on a studio floor somewhere....

Tuesday 12th February2013

A local Midlands newspaper ran a story on my TV appearances and this got picked up by the national press with features in the Daily Mail, The Sun, Daily Express, Telegraph and websites across the world! Followed by radio interviews and possible TV follow-ups sp come on back soon. Just Google 'david st john tv quiz' and you'll find many links.

There was some confusion over the actual number of shows which I had numbered as 27 so far, but I had overlooked a 2001 show called 'Defectors' which was recorded at Maidstone Studios in Kent and hosted by Richard Ord. It only aired on the early Challenge TV channel and I had no recordings of it, simply not having Sky channels at that time. I also thought that it been dropped for some reason but I have just discovered a letter from the producer and thanking me for my participation! So - it is 28 TV quiz shows but if one takes into consideration of my coming back for a 'returning' champion then the appearances go up to the early 30s. My apologies to the press outlets as the printed list of shows indicated 27.

I also laughed at the derogatory 'comments' on the odd online feedback forums etc (semi-trolls) as many criticised my long grey hair - how dare a 64 year old grandfather have such a mop! They overlooked the actual story as well as trying to 'belittle' me on only raking up around £5k in prize money over the last 30 years. However, these deluded (probably jealous) detractors failed to realise that many early shows had small budgets and main prizes, unlike recent years where the potential winnings have shot up due to lowering of restrictions and higher advertising revenue plus many premium line 'phone-ins'. Let THEM have a go and try to emulate my successes, instead of spouting their relatively anonymous verbal diarrhoea! I have also had spin-offs, including a fantastic all expenses paid fortnight when flown out to Melbourne for the international 'Sale Of The Century - Ashes' as part of the G.B. team of champions (my first every show!) and you can read all about it above. Cathay Pacific 747- business class plus half a day sightseeing around Hong Kong plus VIP treatment on arrival at the airport with Rolls Royce and limos taking us to the hotel then studio for the recording. Got to be worth a few grand on top of the 1982 mopeds then valued at £850- how much in today’s prices? Or, in 1998, when Thomson Cruises were looking for an unusual twist and booked me for a short Caribbean cruise as comedian/quizmaster- comedy cabaret spots plus hosting a fun quiz and talking about my experiences in this kind of TV show.

Following the national press interest, I have had several radio phone-ins and future slots as well as follow up articles now pending publication. It seems that people are hooked on TV quiz shows. More news to follow soon, I'm sure.............see the press articles below

Southampton Echo September 2012 Chronicle (Midlands) January 2013 Express & Star (Wolverhampton/Midlands)

Tuesday 12th February 2013 - national press- Daily Mail followed by:

(The TV quiz show list? Not really a 'loser' but mostly runner-up!)

Daily Mail- Prime Feature page 18th February 2013

Reporter- Frances Hardy

(I wonder who forgot to spellcheck the first header?)

Also followed up by radio interviews with italkFM Marbella and Talk Europe Malaga (Spain) plus BBC Wales (Cardiff) BBC WM (Birmingham) Radio 4 'Saturday Live'

Seems that someone else was into TV quiz shows-a chap called Simon Cowell on 'Sale Of The Century' 1990. I wonder what happened to him?

http://youtu.be/Ld-a7DYz-cs

If you know him- then let him know that I would like to face him in a TV quiz...................

www.davidstjohn.co.uk/tvquizzer.html

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