You could be a contestant on the next series of Pointless - here’s how to apply

Will you be applying? (Photo: BBC)Will you be applying? (Photo: BBC)
Will you be applying? (Photo: BBC)

Those who consider themselves something of a whizz when it comes to general knowledge questions now have a chance to shine, as applications are open for the next series of BBC’s TV quiz show, Pointless.

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BBC One is on the lookout for a new collective of “fun, lively people” to take on the Pointless Challenge.

When will filming take place?

Producers have said they are aiming to begin filming in autumn this year, and into winter 2021.

Filming will follow the UK government and Public Health England’s coronavirus guidelines to ensure contestants are kept safe, alongside their own production safety protocols.

What does the show involve?

The popular BBC One show is co-hosted by Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman, and sees contestants compete for a cash prize by finding the least obvious answers to a series of questions.

The questions contestants have to answer are first put to a panel of 100 people in a pre-conducted survey, ahead of the show. It then falls to the contestants to find the correct answers that were given by as few of the surveyed panel as possible, with each round won by the team with the fewest points.

The ultimate aim of the game is to find a ‘pointless’ answer (given by no one in the pre-conducted survey) which scores zero points - the best score contestants can get.

For every pointless answer given during the game, the jackpot is increased by £250, and one such answer must be given in the final round to win the cash prize.

A total of four teams made up of two contestants feature in each episode. The team with the highest number of points is then eliminated in each round, until only one team is left. Only the remaining team gets the chance to compete for the cash jackpot.

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Questions in the show are factual in nature and aim to test the team's general knowledge.

Since the programme launched in August 2009, it has proved to be a hit with viewers. Pointless reached its 12th series in December 2019.

Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus outbreak, production of the show was halted in March this year, but producers are now looking to resume filming.

How can I apply?

Producers have said that applicants should bear in mind that they will be required to travel to the studio in Elstree, and possibly stay in a hotel overnight, if they are selected to take part in the show.

The BBC said it will discuss “practical considerations” with selected participants when it comes to their health and safety ahead of filming.

In light of current social distancing rules and the BBC’s own production safety protocols, producers are encouraging applications from pairs who are in the same household, or ‘support bubble’. This is because teams need to be able to interact in close proximity during the game.

For this reason, those who are not from the same household may not be able to take part in the show at present, due to current social distancing rules.

Applicants must also be aged 18 or over and be a current legal resident of the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

If you would like to apply to take part in the next series, simply complete an application online.