Daytime quiz show for Newsnight anchor

Renowned presenter and one of the faces of the beeb’s Newsnight, Kirsty Wark is to present A Question Of Genius, a new quiz show which tests general knowledge, judgement and strategy in outwitting the competition.

The Scottish-born personality will present over 25 45-minute editions of the show for BBC Daytime from BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay studios in her home town of Glasgow. Transmission is due for BBC Two, from Spring 2009.

“I’m excited to be fronting this brand new quiz which will give competitors from across the UK the chance to prove how much of a genius they really are.” Kirsty Wark

The series gives competitors the opportunity to prove their expertise on a chosen subject when they face their “Question of Genius”, one of the toughest questions on TV, to win a cash prize. In order to reach this point they will need to beat their fellow contestants over a series of rounds testing their knowledge, judgement, strategy and risk-taking abilities. The show is looking for intelligent, competitive, outgoing and charismatic personalities from across the UK.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kirsty to the BBC Daytime team based in Scotland.” Liam Keelan, Controller BBC Daytime

The new HD Studio A on the banks of the River Clyde has recently been the location for new network comedy sitcoms Life Of Riley (which stars Caroline Quentin and which started transmission on BBC One last week) and The Old Guys (starring Roger Lloyd Pack and Clive Swift and which transmits on BBC One later this month). Other entertainment and children’s shows will also film in Studio A as BBC Scotland ramps up its output for the networks over the next few months, as part of the BBC’s broader Network Supply Review to drive more content from the nations.

“We’re delighted to have secured a significant commission for Daytime with A Question Of Genius which, along with Life Of Riley and The Old Guys, enhances Glasgow’s reputation as a major location of comedy and entertainment programmes.” Alan Tyler, Head of Comedy and Entertainment for BBC Scotland

25 x 45 minutes, A Question Of Genius is due to transmit on BBC Spring 2009. Auditions are being held this month.