Q 01/05

In which year was Mastermind first broadcast on the BBC?

A) 1972

B) 1978

C) 1984

D) 1990

Answer · why

A) 1972

Creator Bill Wright drew on his experience of being interrogated by the Gestapo in World War II.

Q 02/05

Who was the original presenter of Mastermind?

A) John Humphrys

B) Magnus Magnusson

C) Robert Robinson

D) Clive Myrie

Answer · why

B) Magnus Magnusson

He hosted from 1972 to 1997; Humphrys took the revived BBC Two version in 2003 and Myrie took over in 2021.

Q 03/05

Complete the Mastermind catchphrase: 'I've started so I'll ...'

A) carry on

B) finish

C) answer

D) continue

Answer · why

B) finish

It is said when the buzzer goes mid-question; the contestant is allowed a few seconds to answer.

Q 04/05

Mastermind's creator drew inspiration for the format from being interrogated by whom?

A) Scotland Yard

B) The Spanish Inquisition

C) The KGB

D) The Gestapo

Answer · why

D) The Gestapo

Bill Wright's wartime experience explains the spotlight, the black chair and the relentless questioning.

Q 05/05

Who was the original quizmaster of University Challenge, from 1962 to 1987?

A) Bamber Gascoigne

B) Amol Rajan

C) Jeremy Paxman

D) Magnus Magnusson

Answer · why

A) Bamber Gascoigne

Only three people have hosted the show in more than 60 years.