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mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Simon Mayo has signed up to host Challenge's upcoming revival of the classic gameshow Blockbusters.

News of the show's return to television emerged last month, shortly after the death of original host Bob Holness.

Mayo has now landed the job of host.

The Radio 2 presenter claimed that he only agreed to the role because the "spirit of the show will be exactly the same".

"No-one needs to worry," he said. "It will be exactly the same - same set, same board, the same theme tune, although slightly updated. The prizes will probably be the same too, although you don't win a dictionary, you win an e-reader."

Mayo also revealed that the game show will feature contestants of all ages rather than solely students and revealed that "there is a lot of talk about a celebrity edition".

"It is a feel-good programme," he said. "It would be nice to do Bob proud."

Blockbusters is expected to return to Challenge in the spring.

ruddlescat · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 18010 Location: Near Chester

Probably a good choice if they must revive the show but I think it might have been better just to leave people with their fond memories rather than bringing the show back as people will inevitably make comparisons Smile

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Shaky Fan · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 628

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

These revivals of old, hugely popular series or quizzes rarely work. The one exception is probably University Challenge.

Didn't Sky have a bash at Blockbusters, after ITV binned it?

The choice of Simon Mayo is safe to the point of typecasting - I've always said that he has the manner of a schoolteacher.

We shall have to see, though if it's only on Challenge I probably won't.