In this high-stakes quiz show, contestants with specialist knowledge face a series of questions in pursuit of a grand prize.
Hosted by Bob Monkhouse, the programme invites contestants to choose a specialised subject on which they are an expert. One by one, they are seated in a soundproof isolation booth to face a succession of questions of escalating difficulty and monetary value. The prize money ladder begins at £1,000 and culminates in the final, formidable question for the jackpot of £64,000. At key stages, contestants have the choice to stop and keep their accumulated winnings or risk losing a substantial portion by answering the next question incorrectly. The format’s tension is derived entirely from the contestant’s knowledge and nerve under intense studio pressure.
This revival of the classic 1950s format was a notable fixture of early 1990s primetime schedules. Produced by Central for ITV, its serious tone and substantial top prize set it apart from the more frivolous game shows of the period. The programme’s dramatic power was constructed from simple elements: the stark lighting, the contestant’s solitary confinement in the glass booth, and the relentless focus on pure knowledge. At the centre of this tension was host Bob Monkhouse, whose performance was a masterclass in control. His meticulous preparation and deadpan delivery generated a unique atmosphere of suspense, ensuring the simple question-and-answer format remained a compelling piece of television theatre.
Broadcast: ITV – Central, Series 1, 11 Episodes, 1 June – 24 August 1990; Series 2, 26 Episodes, 4 January – 22 November 1991; Series 3, 13 Episodes, 6 June – 29 August 1993
Presented by: Bob Monkhouse
Created by: Cinecor Associates
Writer: Colin Edmonds
Directors: Dennis Liddington, John Gorman
Producer: Peter Harris
