Ken Bruce to reportedly turn PopMaster into a TV show

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Former Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce is reportedly in talks to turn his much-loved music quiz Popmaster into a TV show.

Per IBruce is said to be in talks with a “leading broadcaster” about the idea of ​​bringing the Popmaster to television screens ahead of the relaunch of Quiz on his new show on Greatest Hits Radio tomorrow (3 April) .

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Popmaster first aired in 1998 Most Listened Segment of Bruce’s Show, prompting homes and workplaces across the country to stop by at 10:30 a.m. each weekday to play along to the quiz. Bruce presented his final show on Radio 2 after 31 years on 3 March.

Bruce created the quiz with question-setter Phil Swarn, and the pair are now looking for business opportunities to expand the Popmaster “brand”. The BBC allowed them to keep the rights to Quiz and benefit from all future spin-offs.

Swarn, a former radio producer, told me: “We’re in discussions because we’re talking with a television network that’s interested in Popmaster as a TV quiz. Watch this space.”

He added that one of the “conditions” of bringing Popmaster to TV would be that Bruce would present it. “I think Popmaster and Ken are married for life.”

Bruce said: “I’m very excited to see where Popmaster can go next and there are so many opportunities out there. But what will always be most important is getting listeners to play it on the radio every weekday at 10.30am It’s the heart of it and that’s what’s most special to me.

Sworn stated that Greatest Hits Radio were “very eager” to see the Popmaster “brand” beyond radio. “We’ve trademarked the books, the games and there will be more live shows. The TV format has international potential. Popmaster – the movie? Who knows, they made Slumdog Millionaire out of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

When asked what he thought made the quiz such a success, Bruce said: “If I knew the answer I could probably even give you the winning lottery numbers! I think, at the heart of it, Popmaster is all about There’s a quiz for age that’s easy to play against yourself or who you’re listening to the radio with at the time. It’s a simple format that’s easy to play with.”

He added: “I’ve missed it the last couple of weeks and can’t wait to play that Popmaster jingle on Greatest Hits Radio this Monday.”

Since Bruce’s departure, Radio 2 has broadcast a music quiz called Ten to the Top in the 10:30am slot prior to Popmaster. It has been dismissed as ‘Poundland Popmaster’ by fans, who have noted similarities between the two quizzes, in particular the two contestants are asked ten questions about popular music.

“It’s early days and I don’t want to diss it,” said Sworn when he confirmed that he was listening to Ten to the Top. “But the scoring is too complicated for my money. Plus the contestants are asked to play their ‘joker’ without knowing what the question’s topic will be. I find those two things difficult.

However, he stated that he and Bruce would not pursue legal action over the new format. “We’re not going to bother because I think we have a strong quiz.”